Vio Bitely’s obituary, Ensley Township, Newaygo County, Michigan

Copyright © 1999 by Dennis Zank. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb 
Archives.  

 
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OLD ENSLEY RESIDENT DIES IN LOS ANGELES

A letter from the West Coast informs the Clipper that Vio Bitely, a native of 
Ensley Center, and for 40 years a member of the Salvation Army, was found beaten 
to death on a Los Angeles street in the poor section of town.

So completely identified with his work was Mr. Bitely that he was known simply as 
Salvation Army and SA Bitely. His given name was not even known. His life, 
devoted to making life a little easier for people in the "Skidrow" area, was 
ended by an assailant who allegedly beat him almost beyond recognition as Bitely 
was on his way home from a Salvation Army meeting.

Few knew his name out there, but many knew his influence. As a final gesture of 
respect, the friends who loved him placed the battered old Salvation Army uniform 
cap atop the coffin lid, perhaps to be doffed only when he met the Master in 
Whose service he wore it.

Paper-Cedar Springs Clipper
Date Unknown.


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