Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Hitchler

Elizabeth "Betty" L. Hitchler, 86, of Spalding, NE, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at CHI Health-St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Spalding. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the church followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service. A recording of Betty's service will be available to view on her obituary page at www.levanderfuneralhome.com , following services. Masks are recommended to be worn at both the funeral service and visitation.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE are in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Hitchler, or "Boo" as she was also known by many people as, was born on April 12, 1935 to Leonard and Loretta (Moran) O'Neill at Spalding, NE. She attended school at Leo Valley Country School and graduated from Spalding Public High School in 1953.

Betty was united in marriage to Carl E. Hitchler Jr. on February 6, 1956 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. The couple lived in Grand Island, NE for a short period before returning to Spalding in 1957. Betty was known for her love of kids as she worked as a teacher's aide at Spalding Public. She was also known for her cake making abilities. Her home had an open-door policy, friends and family were always welcome to stop by for treats or to visit at any time.

Betty was a devout Catholic, reciting the rosary daily. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the St. Anne's Altar Society for many years. Betty loved art and to collect clocks. Most of all she loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Betty is survived by two daughters: Joan (Dennis) Goodrich of Greeley, NE; Mary (Robbie) Langer of Spalding, NE; five sons: Gene (Jeannie) Hitchler of Norfolk, NE; Dennis Hitchler, Pat (Theresa) Hitchler, and Michael Hitchler all of Spalding, NE; Jim (Kara) Hitchler of Le Mars, IA; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl; two sisters: Rosie Diessner and Judy Bumgardner; granddaughter: Bailey Hitchler; and great-grandson: Ashlend Buschelman.