Obituary – Maisie Bitler
Maisie Bitler, 17, passed away the morning of July 4, 2024, when the plane she was piloting crashed in Lock Haven, PA. She died pursuing her dream of being a pilot and doing the thing she loved the most.
Maisie was a recent graduate of Hughesville High School where she was inducted into the National Honor Society and was active in the Hughesville High Band, playing baritone sax. In addition, she was a Lycoming County Camp Cadet Junior Counselor and performed at the Millbrook Playhouse. Above all else, her driving passion was aeronautics. She achieved the rank of Captain/1st Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol and was a proud member of the Williamsport 401 Composite Squadron, now known as the Piper Composite Squadron.
From the time Maisie was affectionately known as “Bean”, she was casting a huge light into this world. The first to show this light was her Pap, Craig “Bubba” Bowman. Pap radiated with excitement. Smiles a mile wide. His life was tragically cut short just weeks later. “Bean” kept a family standing through those hard times. The ray of light is still visible and something for a broken family to believe in. On August 5, 2006, Maisie Elizabeth Bitler came into this world, just two days after her pap’s birthday. And let me tell you…. She had something to say. One thing that was evident about Maisie from the start was her uniqueness. She never followed. She did things her way. She beat her own drum fearlessly. She captured the hearts and souls of family, friends and strangers alike, spreading light, hope, joy and happiness. As Maisie grew, so did her dreams and so did her personality. And so did the group of people that loved her. Maisie Elizabeth Bitler burned bright for the world to see. It is now apparent that the brightest stars can only burn so long and must burn out way too early. Maisie had so much more to give this world when her time here was tragically cut short. But she leaves behind her a legacy of tenacity and perseverance that will live on in those that knew and loved her. Maisie was the teenager every adult wants to be when they grow up. With more personality than any firecracker on the Fourth of July and a smile that will forever be embedded on all those that loved her. May her example continue to inspire all of us to pursue our dreams with passion and determination.
She is survived by her parents, Zach Bitler and Amber (Lance) Waltz and Alyssa Kenthack; and her grandparents, Kate Bowman, Lane and Debra Bitler and Lee and Ann Waltz. She’s also survived by her aunts, uncles, and cousins: Wyatt Bowman, Brian and Dawn Merrifield, Ronnie Petrichko, Madeline Petrichko, Easton Pursel, Cody and Claire (Waltz) and Brynlin Carey, Shawn and Brooke Fillman, Bryson Fillman, Evan Fillman, Renee Bitler, Amanda Bitler, and Justin Wisser.
She’s predeceased by her grandfather and kindred spirit, Craig “Bubba” Bowman.
A celebration of Maisie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Williamsport Regional Airport, 724 Airport Road, Montoursville, PA 17754.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maisie Bitler Memorial Fund, c/o Palko Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 330, Muncy, PA 17756 for the intentions of providing a yearly scholarship.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
