Shirley Ann Bittinger

Shirley Ann Elizabeth (LaFlamme) Aikin Bittinger, age 93, of Winterset, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Azria Health Winterset.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset. Burial will follow at Winterset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Shirley was born on September 9, 1932, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Ernest and Ann (Thompson) LaFlamme. Though she faced hardship early in life, including losing her mother as a young child and spending years in the St. James Children’s Home, she carried with her a strong faith, a love of family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met.

Shirley found happiness in life’s simple pleasures such as singing songs from her childhood, baking pies, donuts, and cinnamon rolls, keeping family traditions alive, and spending time with those she loved. She was devoted to her family, active in her church and community, and always willing to lend a helping hand through organizations including the American Cancer Society, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the VFW.

On January 20, 1951, Shirley married Russel Ray Aikin, and together they welcomed five children. Following Russel’s passing in 1965, Shirley later found love again with Clarence “Bud” Bittinger. They married on September 28, 1968, and shared a loving life together, with Bud becoming a devoted husband and stepfather.

Above all else, Shirley treasured her family. Her love, kindness, faith, and cherished traditions will live on through the generations who follow her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and her son, Warren Russel.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Alan, Sheryl Ann (Ray), Glenn Ernest (Becky), and Todd Russel (Theresa); her 11 grandchildren: Russel, Brice (Stacy), Shana, Nicole, James, Carmen, Christopher (Lindsay), Gregory (Janett), Brian (Vanessa), Gabrielle, and Savannah; and her 17 great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s life was a beautiful example of resilience, love, faith, and family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.