Myrtle Alberta Bitto Sander

Myrtle Bitto Sander was truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. She purposely looked for ways to give to others, always thinking of their needs before her own. Her kind heart and cheerful manner won her many friends who considered it a privilege to know her. Myrtle was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who did everything she could to support and encourage her loved ones. Myrtle was born as World War I was nearing its end on May 29, 1918, in Muskegon, Michigan. Her parents, Fred and Musiezetta (Wilcox) Woirol, raised Myrtle and her six siblings: Dude, Arnold, Violet, Jeanette, Genevieve and Fred Jr., in the countryside of Muskegon. The family lived on a farm, where her father worked as a farmer, while her mother was busy raising seven children. Myrtles childhood was typical for the times. The economics of the day were tough, and that meant hand-me-down clothes and few material things, but the Woirols were a close-knit family held fast with the things money couldnt buy. Her parents made sure the kids learned responsibility by pitching in with farm chores, and watching out for the younger siblings. Myrtle was a young adult when she met her future husband, Anthony Bitto. They hit it off from the very start and it wasnt long before they were hopelessly in love. The two were soon happily married and blessed with the birth of their son, Anthony Jr. While Anthony supported his growing family as a bartender at the Moose Lodge, Myrtle devoted herself to the role of a mother. She spoiled her son with much love and attention, while also instilling values in him that would guide him through life. Myrtle and Anthony always worked as a team in whatever they did. One of their lifelong dreams was to open their own restaurant, so they moved to the village of Holly, Michigan and started Pee Wees Caf. Eventually, the family of three moved back to Myrtles childhood home on the farm in Muskegon, and began running various restaurants in the area over the next several years, including Mary Mac Motel Restaurant, White Kitchen and the restaurant at Lincoln Golf Course. Outside of work, Myrtle and Anthony loved spending time together, traveling and visiting family. They enjoyed several memorable trips throughout the U.S. and even got as far as Hawaii. Myrtle stayed close with her siblings, and enjoyed a girls night out bowling with her sisters. She and Anthony were also members of the Moose Lodge. Once the couple was blessed with their four precious grandchildren, Anthony III, Roxanne, Kenneth and Rhonda, they moved to Chicago to be near them. A doting grandmother, Myrtle poured the same amount of love and attention into these relationships as she did with her own son. She ran them back and forth from school and activities, supporting them at all their events, and played games with them at home. Sadly, Myrtle lost her beloved husband Anthony while living in Chicago in August 1969. Heartbroken, Myrtle moved back to Muskegon a couple of years after losing her husband, finding solace on her childhood farm. After several years had passed, Myrtle met a wonderful man named Lynn Sander, and they were married on November 17, 1979. Together, they were members of the Don Rea VFW Post 8846, where Myrtle was known as the Poppy Lady because of the many displays she made for the Auxiliary, several of which took 1st and 2nd place at conventions. The couple also enjoyed traveling, particularly to New Mexico where they had some good friends. Family time was very important to them too. Lynn brought his 6 children into their marriage, and they enjoyed many memorable camping trips and get togethers. Myrtle was a woman cut from the warmest, kindest cloth, who always volunteered her time, her effort and her love. She easily made friends wherever she went, and kept in touch with them over the years. Her kind, loving nature overflowed to the kids in the neighborhood too, who affectionately called her Aunt Bert. This kindness was also extended to animals, especially her dog, Dancer. Although Myrtles life was happy, it was also marked by many great sorrows. She lost her beloved husband Lynn in November 1990, after 11 years of marriage, followed by her grandson, Anthony III, in 2002, and her granddaughter, Roxanne, in 2008. Despite her sadness, Myrtle continued to live independently, and found some hobbies to keep her occupied. She became a self-taught painter, and enjoyed doing arts and crafts. She was also actively involved with the Johnson Hall, where they had luncheons, bingo, and trips to the casinos. Myrtle enjoyed traveling with her good friends, Sylvia Swartz and Katherine Sanford, especially in the fall on color tours. One time their travels took them all the way up to the Upper Peninsula. Myrtle was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be deeply loved and fondly remembered always. Myrtle Alberta Bitto Sander, age 91, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009, in Fremont, MI. She is survived by her son, Anthony (Judy Keith) Bitto; 2 grandchildren, Kenneth & Rhonda; 3 great grandchildren & 1 great great grandchild; daughter-in-law, Sharon Bitto; 5 step-sons: Donald (Becky) Sander, Steven (Linda) Sander, Wesley (Dawn) Sander, Henry (Laura) Sander & Anthony Sander; 1 step-daughter, Micky Lou (Steven) Champion; & several step grandchildren & step great grandchildren. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Anthony Bitto & Lynn Sander, 2 grandchildren, Anthony III & Roxanne, and all of her siblings.