Lincoln — The world lost a beloved person, Kathy Lercher, who went by many different aliases such as Mom, Grandma, GiGi, Sister, Aunt, Bitner, KitKat and Lerch, just to name a few. She passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2023, at the age of 70, due to several different health issues.
Kathy A. Bitner was born November 11, 1952, in Lincoln, Illinois, a daughter to Lyle Dean and Lucia Compton Bitner. She met the love of her life, Charles Lercher, and was united in marriage on September 8, 1988. He spoiled her rotten until the day he passed away on January 21, 2018. We know he was waiting at the gates with a hot cup of coffee for her.
Other loved ones that were also there to greet her were her father, Lyle Bitner, her mother Lucia McCray, her stepfather Paul McCray, paternal grandparents Hulda Cochran Bitner and Claude Bitner, maternal grandparents Flora Jacaway Compton and David Compton, and a beloved older sister Karen McCray.
Kathy was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children: Chuck (Robin) Lercher, Randy (Sara) Lercher, Kim (Chip) McDaniel, Mark (Tammy) Lercher, Michael (Geri) Bitner, and Lisa (Harry) Hopp.
Kathy was also a devoted Grandma to Jesse Lercher, James (Jolie) Lercher, Desirae (J.J.) Lercher, Cody (Kim) Simmons, KJ (Nikki) Simmons, Drake Lercher, Chelsea Wheeler, Kolby Richardson, Brandon Bitner, Hunter Gillis, Gerica Gillis, and Amanda Dant.
Kathy gave new meaning to the word GiGi and treasured her great- grandchildren: Elena, Ayden, Tate, Walker, Layne, Paxton, Issach, Paisley, Cater, Kailey, Charlie, and Liam. She would always tell them to “do your best and let God do the rest.”
Kathy was a loving sister to Kevin (Loralee) McCray and a special aunt to Teresa (Fitzsimmons) Littlejohn and Ryan (Alexandria) McCray. She loved and adored their children: Johnny, Shelby, and Luka.
Kathy was a member of Jefferson Street Christian Church. She was a Godly woman who loved the Lord and set an example for her family and friends that will lead them for the rest of their lives. She was a powerful prayer warrior and only Heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact her many years of faithful praying has had on her family, friends, and the world at large.
Kathy retired from the Family Medical Center after 27 years of service where she touched so many people’s hearts. To many in her life she was a good listener and someone to turn to for guidance or a shoulder to cry on. She loved her co-workers and the patients in which she learned to call friends during her time at work.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson Street Christian Church. Funeral Services will be on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Jefferson Street Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. Michael Mallick officiating.
Burial Services will be at a later date in Zion Cemetery in Lincoln.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Foundation.
