Edna Lorraine (Taylor) Bitter
November 18, 1944 – January 5, 2026
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Edna Lorraine (Taylor) Bitter passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. She was 81.
Lorraine was born on November 18, 1944 in Salt Lake City, UT to Richard and Edna Taylor, spending most of her youth in Bountiful, UT, where she was later crowned Miss Bountiful. She married the love of her life, Ronald Bitter, on August 28, 1964. She attended Brigham Young University, graduating with an Associate of Business Administration degree, later putting her education to use as an executive assistant to two university presidents at the University of North Dakota. Over the span of her life, she lived in Utah, North Dakota, Hawaii, California and Arizona.
Lorraine was known for her passion for music, teaching and serving. She regularly volunteered with various musical projects, including annual musical productions for the students at Linda Vista Elementary. Her love of music and her ability to play the piano and organ was widely known during her lifetime. One of her favorite stories to tell was, as a teenager, playing the Tabernacle organ on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, one of the most famous organs in the world, where she accidentally tore her blouse as she attempted to reach for the top row of keys. She couldn’t help but laugh every time she told the story.
Lorraine loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served as Young Women’s President, Primary Chorister, Ward Relief Society President, Stake Seminary Teacher, Stake Primary Music Leader, faithful ministering sister and perpetual letter writer. She filled her days with writing handwritten letters to her grandchildren, friends and missionaries. Her time as an early-morning seminary teacher remained one of her most cherished experiences while living in Orange County, CA, as she would spend hours on a single lesson and provide homemade waffles for her students on Fridays.
She will forever be remembered for her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her natural desire to show peace and kindness to everyone around her, a trait she often attributed as inherited from her own mother.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Ronald Bitter; children Amy Bitter Baldwin (Thomas Baldwin), David Bitter (Catherine Bitter), Michael Bitter and Steven Bitter (Emmy Perez-Bitter); 14 grandchildren Amanda Baldwin Rogers (Jonathon Rogers), Adam Baldwin (Alyssa Baldwin), Ryan Baldwin (Hallie Baldwin), Logan Bitter, Brooke Baldwin Knapp (Jackson Knapp), Mason Bitter (Vanessa Bitter), Elias Starnes, Tyler Baldwin, Noah Bitter, Roman Bitter, Max Bitter, Baron Bitter, Leia Bitter and Cash Bitter; eight great-grandchildren Andie Rogers, Greyson Baldwin, Ben Baldwin, Mia Rogers, Oliver Baldwin, Sam Baldwin, Mananui Bitter and Landon Rogers. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers Richard Taylor and Rodney Taylor, and her great-granddaughter, Junie Baldwin.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16 at 11 am MST at the Rittenhouse Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 22035 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142. A viewing service will be held beforehand at 10 am MST. All are welcome to attend.
You may also tune in to the live stream of her funeral service at 11 am MST at: https://www.youtube.com/live/VfZHCKHUrFk
Please feel free to leave any memories or special messages below.
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Karen Moore says: I’m so sorry for your loss. Lorraine always had a smile on her face. I know you have faith and comfort knowing where she has gone.
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Lori Mendel says:
I was the mother of 6 children and she touched each one of them with her love of the gospel and her seminary lessons as the years went by. An amazing lady and I cherished her sincerity in all she did. I loved her smile and never forgetting to call you by name. She will be sorely missed.
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Rhonda Riley says:
Lorraine’s smile lit up any room❣️ She had a way of making you feel loved. The youth loved her!!! She was a positive sweet lovely human being.
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Margaret Manning says:
Lorraine always brings a smile to my face. She was cheerful, kind, and always willing to bless the lives of others. One time, completely out of the blue, she sent me a beautiful bracelet just to remind me that I was a dear friend. That simple act meant so much to me and showed who she was.
Lorraine was a true musician. She loved the organ, the piano, and especially hymns. When I was called to play the organ in our ward, she gave me some tips and showed me how to play some of the stops on the church organ.
She was a faithful woman of God, and my life is blessed because I knew her.
Her husband was always so loving and good to her, and together they were a wonderful couple. She will be deeply missed. -
Maryann Larkin says:
We have such fond memories of Lorraine and Ron from their time in our ward here in California. Lorraine was an amazingly talented person and we enjoyed those talents often. She was so good with the youth and one of the best Relief Society Presidents our ward ever had. We were all blessed by her service, kindness and love! Lyle and Maryann Larkin
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Vickie Carter says:
I met Lorraine and Ron in Provo 1967. We lived right next door to them. Love them both. We visited them once in Orange County. You just fall in love with them. Sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
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Janine Christensen says:
I remember Aunt Lorraine for her beautiful smile and warm personality. She showed love and acceptance to everyone. When I talked with her as a girl, I felt she was interested in me and always encouraged me to be the best I could be. I know she will be greatly missed, but I am happy that she is in a better place with those who have passed on before her.
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Kirk Goddard Larson says:
I have found memories of visiting their home in Orange County with my parents (Blaine and Luana Larson).
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Laura Freebairn Bounds says:
your MOM‼️YOUR Mom….
she had a Gleem a Special Sparkle ✨ to her. it was what she was made of. she taught Larry and i to ALWAYS look for the good in each other. treat each other as they were in there celestial state.
she is Missed and Loved so Dearly
xxoo 💋 lLarry and Laura Bounds -
Rick Taylor says:
I love my Aunt Loraine, she always treated me like a million bucks. When our family would travel from Connecticut to Salt Lake for summer visits growing up I always spent time with her and later Ron. I still remember the tour they gave my of BYU and although I went to The U, I will never forget the inspiration that has inspired me in my life. I will always cherish the memories in my Grand parents house and farm and orchards where we would all work together for the harvest. The harvest has come for you my beautiful Aunt but your family is strong and will live on with you walking with them towards eternal life. You can be proud of that legacy. Peace be with you and Ron and may your memory continue to inspire us.
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The Robert & Sandra Hales Family says:
Our condolences to Ron and the whole Bitter family. We loved our association with Lorraine and benefitted from her love and talents that she shared with everyone she met. Heaven has received a shining star.
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Lana Jean Duncan Goodwin says:
I’m so sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. I’ve known her since we were in the same ward in Bountiful, UT growing up. We were best friends and spent as much time in each other’s homes as with our other best friend, Ann Bagley Brown. We all sang together in a trio at Ward and Stake festivities and high school events. We won a Stake quartet festival with the addition of Vickie Alder in the 60’s. It’s harder to remember everything we did together in our old age, but her smile, bubbly personality, love and generosity is unforgettable. I look forward to greeting her in heaven with my sweetheart, Mike, and family members with lots of hugs, laughter, and many more reminiscences.
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Patty Fryover says:
She was an amazing person and always kept in touch. She will truly be missed. I loved when she would come to my home to scrapbook. Sorry for your loss.
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Laurie Nichols says:
Have cherished memories of Lorraine coming to my apartment in Hawaii to take my laundry when my husband was being deployed..also she had a group baby shower for the new moms to be when she was Relief Society President in Makiki Ward ..fun memories going to Ala Moana Beach with the kids,she holds a special place in our hearts..Our love and prayers to all the family..
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Rose Ellen (Hall) Hutchison says:
For a young me: Always a beautiful guide in life. Lorraine taught me many things. Modeled what it was to be a woman. Wise on life, priorities, love.
There was a time when she was to give me a ride to church, but didn’t show. I walked to her home and was surprised to find her sitting on floor witha baby: their 1st baby, changing diapers. She looked so happy. I was happy for her. I was happy for Ron. I was happy for that lucky baby. -
Kraig and Julie Hall says:
When we were first married, we lived in San Diego, and Ron and Lorraine lived two hours away in Orange County. Ron is Kraig’s uncle. They were so good to us! We were invited to family events and celebrations. They were our parents and friends. Lorraine was always thinking of things she could do for us. When we were having infertility problems, Lorraine introduced us to a friend who we ultimately adopted a baby from. She did so many kind and loving things for us. She enriched and blessed our lives so much. We’ll never forget her. We send our love and prayers to Ron and all his family.
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Lisa Davis says:
Lorraine, “Rainy T”, sister Bitter, Amy’s mom, I loved her so much! She befriended my mother and I immediately when we moved into her California ward. She was beautiful inside and out, the classiest, kindest, funnest mom and young women’s leader. I spent many hours and days in her home. She always made me feel like family. She was so kind, so smart, so talented. I learned so many favorite Janice Kapp Perry songs at her piano with Amy and the Hughes girls. She was our favorite young women’s president! I loved being in her and Ron’s home and with their family. A bright light has joined the heavenly hosts! I know she and my mother will be up there playing the piano and singing in the choir and running many committees together. She will be so fondly missed and remembered always. Much love, hugs and condolences to the whole family.
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Vallorie Carlson says:
Ron and Lorraine were kind and attentive neighbors. They welcomed us so warmly when we first moved to Orange. Lorraine always had beautiful hands – especially when she was playing the piano or organ for our ward. Two memories I have of her was 1) how special she made Christmas sacrament meetings by the amazing music she played and 2) how she played the hymn “Shall The Youth of Zion Falter” over and over and over again while filming “The Most Dangerous Game”!!
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Cindy Calvo says:
I have so many memories of Lorraine when we lived in the same ward in Orange. A simple memory that meant so much to me was one Halloween she let me sit with her on her porch and pass out candy to the kids since where we lived we didn’t get trick or treaters.
She always made me feel like I was someone special and I loved her for that.
She was the change she wanted to see in the world. An amazing and kind lady who will live on in the hearts who knew and loved her.
Until we meet again.
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Marilyn Foutz Christensen says:
She was one precious, talented friend. Marilyn Foutz Christensen
Karen Moore 
Lori Mendel 
Rhonda Riley 
Margaret Manning 
Maryann Larkin 
Vickie Carter 
Janine Christensen 
Kirk Goddard Larson 
Laura Freebairn Bounds 
Rick Taylor 
The Robert & Sandra Hales Family 
Lana Jean Duncan Goodwin 
Patty Fryover 
Laurie Nichols 
Rose Ellen (Hall) Hutchison 
Kraig and Julie Hall 
Lisa Davis 
Vallorie Carlson 
Cindy Calvo 
Marilyn Foutz Christensen
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lorraine always had a smile on her face. I know you have faith and comfort knowing where she has gone.
I was the mother of 6 children and she touched each one of them with her love of the gospel and her seminary lessons as the years went by. An amazing lady and I cherished her sincerity in all she did. I loved her smile and never forgetting to call you by name. She will be sorely missed.
Lorraine’s smile lit up any room❣️ She had a way of making you feel loved. The youth loved her!!! She was a positive sweet lovely human being.
Lorraine always brings a smile to my face. She was cheerful, kind, and always willing to bless the lives of others. One time, completely out of the blue, she sent me a beautiful bracelet just to remind me that I was a dear friend. That simple act meant so much to me and showed who she was.
Lorraine was a true musician. She loved the organ, the piano, and especially hymns. When I was called to play the organ in our ward, she gave me some tips and showed me how to play some of the stops on the church organ.
She was a faithful woman of God, and my life is blessed because I knew her.
Her husband was always so loving and good to her, and together they were a wonderful couple. She will be deeply missed.
We have such fond memories of Lorraine and Ron from their time in our ward here in California. Lorraine was an amazingly talented person and we enjoyed those talents often. She was so good with the youth and one of the best Relief Society Presidents our ward ever had. We were all blessed by her service, kindness and love! Lyle and Maryann Larkin
I met Lorraine and Ron in Provo 1967. We lived right next door to them. Love them both. We visited them once in Orange County. You just fall in love with them. Sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
I remember Aunt Lorraine for her beautiful smile and warm personality. She showed love and acceptance to everyone. When I talked with her as a girl, I felt she was interested in me and always encouraged me to be the best I could be. I know she will be greatly missed, but I am happy that she is in a better place with those who have passed on before her.
I have found memories of visiting their home in Orange County with my parents (Blaine and Luana Larson).
your MOM‼️YOUR Mom….
she had a Gleem a Special Sparkle ✨ to her. it was what she was made of. she taught Larry and i to ALWAYS look for the good in each other. treat each other as they were in there celestial state.
she is Missed and Loved so Dearly
xxoo 💋 lLarry and Laura Bounds
I love my Aunt Loraine, she always treated me like a million bucks. When our family would travel from Connecticut to Salt Lake for summer visits growing up I always spent time with her and later Ron. I still remember the tour they gave my of BYU and although I went to The U, I will never forget the inspiration that has inspired me in my life. I will always cherish the memories in my Grand parents house and farm and orchards where we would all work together for the harvest. The harvest has come for you my beautiful Aunt but your family is strong and will live on with you walking with them towards eternal life. You can be proud of that legacy. Peace be with you and Ron and may your memory continue to inspire us.
Our condolences to Ron and the whole Bitter family. We loved our association with Lorraine and benefitted from her love and talents that she shared with everyone she met. Heaven has received a shining star.
I’m so sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. I’ve known her since we were in the same ward in Bountiful, UT growing up. We were best friends and spent as much time in each other’s homes as with our other best friend, Ann Bagley Brown. We all sang together in a trio at Ward and Stake festivities and high school events. We won a Stake quartet festival with the addition of Vickie Alder in the 60’s. It’s harder to remember everything we did together in our old age, but her smile, bubbly personality, love and generosity is unforgettable. I look forward to greeting her in heaven with my sweetheart, Mike, and family members with lots of hugs, laughter, and many more reminiscences.
She was an amazing person and always kept in touch. She will truly be missed. I loved when she would come to my home to scrapbook. Sorry for your loss.
Have cherished memories of Lorraine coming to my apartment in Hawaii to take my laundry when my husband was being deployed..also she had a group baby shower for the new moms to be when she was Relief Society President in Makiki Ward ..fun memories going to Ala Moana Beach with the kids,she holds a special place in our hearts..Our love and prayers to all the family..
For a young me: Always a beautiful guide in life. Lorraine taught me many things. Modeled what it was to be a woman. Wise on life, priorities, love.
There was a time when she was to give me a ride to church, but didn’t show. I walked to her home and was surprised to find her sitting on floor witha baby: their 1st baby, changing diapers. She looked so happy. I was happy for her. I was happy for Ron. I was happy for that lucky baby.
When we were first married, we lived in San Diego, and Ron and Lorraine lived two hours away in Orange County. Ron is Kraig’s uncle. They were so good to us! We were invited to family events and celebrations. They were our parents and friends. Lorraine was always thinking of things she could do for us. When we were having infertility problems, Lorraine introduced us to a friend who we ultimately adopted a baby from. She did so many kind and loving things for us. She enriched and blessed our lives so much. We’ll never forget her. We send our love and prayers to Ron and all his family.
Lorraine, “Rainy T”, sister Bitter, Amy’s mom, I loved her so much! She befriended my mother and I immediately when we moved into her California ward. She was beautiful inside and out, the classiest, kindest, funnest mom and young women’s leader. I spent many hours and days in her home. She always made me feel like family. She was so kind, so smart, so talented. I learned so many favorite Janice Kapp Perry songs at her piano with Amy and the Hughes girls. She was our favorite young women’s president! I loved being in her and Ron’s home and with their family. A bright light has joined the heavenly hosts! I know she and my mother will be up there playing the piano and singing in the choir and running many committees together. She will be so fondly missed and remembered always. Much love, hugs and condolences to the whole family.
Ron and Lorraine were kind and attentive neighbors. They welcomed us so warmly when we first moved to Orange. Lorraine always had beautiful hands – especially when she was playing the piano or organ for our ward. Two memories I have of her was 1) how special she made Christmas sacrament meetings by the amazing music she played and 2) how she played the hymn “Shall The Youth of Zion Falter” over and over and over again while filming “The Most Dangerous Game”!!
I have so many memories of Lorraine when we lived in the same ward in Orange. A simple memory that meant so much to me was one Halloween she let me sit with her on her porch and pass out candy to the kids since where we lived we didn’t get trick or treaters.
She always made me feel like I was someone special and I loved her for that.
She was the change she wanted to see in the world. An amazing and kind lady who will live on in the hearts who knew and loved her.
Until we meet again.
She was one precious, talented friend. Marilyn Foutz Christensen