Ardis Updegraff Cushing Bitner

1930 ~ 2021

Ardis Rae Updegraff Cushing Bitner, 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother returned home to her Heavenly Father after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on February 18, 2021.

She was born November 7, 1930 in Salt Lake City, UT, the third child of Howard Ehmsen Updegraff and Almyra Evelyn Van Natta Updegraff. Ardis graduated from South High School and LDS Business College. She worked for the State Board of Education Division of Rehabilitation for over 24 years. Ardis married Kenneth Henry Cushing, her eternal companion, on August 21, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Ardis was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contributing a lifetime of service. She loved and cherished being surrounded by her family. She enjoyed serving others, baking, cross stitching, sewing, knitting, and making quilts.

She is survived by children: Penny (Brad) Vance, Glide, OR; Colleen (Mark) Magleby, Portland, OR; Wayne (SuZie) Cushing, Salt Lake City, UT; Ron (Jeanne) Cushing, Cedar City, UT; and Sharon (Scott) Moake, Mendon, UT; 18 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
Ken passed away on October 17, 1999. She married Blaine Bitner on November 3, 2001 which added to her joy with many more loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Blaine passed away June 25, 2009.

She was preceded in death by an infant great-grandson, Nathan Clark, both her husbands and her siblings, Evelyn Gail Jackson, James Howard Updegraff, and Olive Kathleen Trivett Featherstone.

The family wishes to thank the thoughtful, caring staff at Spring Gardens Holladay. We know our mother was well taken care of. We are grateful for the doctors and nurses and we especially thank Lacey, Mom’s hospice nurse for her kindness and attentive care.

Private family services will be held on Tuesday, February 23rd with a family gathering at 10:30 AM and a service at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E. 1300 S). To view the recording of the services, use this link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/snRCzphHbWkh3ckpMML50kFCKQHaA6i8YwSqmXzKGxBtBp_0C_WqNvBr4Yx7rayL.CZd4vWcZKP6zOfjK
Downloading the services is possible by clicking the upper right hand corner.

Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Estates (3115 East 7800 South).


Guestbook/Condolences

Sorry to hearYour mother is the last of the Updegraff


- Garry Banks

Our deepest condolences to the family! Dropped by the service, via zoom, but had to get back to work.

Our love,

Margie and David


- Margie and David Arnovitz

Sweet Ardis, my nexdoor neighbor for about 15 years, Mary and I will miss you dearly. Thank you for being the kind and generous friend to all of us in the neighborhood. Be at peace. We loved you.


- Betty Long

Ardis was a bright spot in the Bitner family. We loved her and appreciated all that she did for us. I cherish the quilts she made for my children, the birthday cards, the fun memories, and the love she so freely gave to us. We will miss her.


- Aimee Peless

What a sweet tribute to a remarkable woman with a beautiful legacy. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Our love and condolences to her family.


- Jolene Wightman

Thanks for sharing Ardis's services. She was a really great lady. We loved her humor and goodness and the many great examples of Christ-like living she showed us. You have our condolences and wish you all God's blessings.


- Ron & Barbara Veach

Fond memories of THE Cushing family. The funeral was enjoyed by all. We also have many memories with the Bitners. Love you 💟
Roland and Lois


- Roland and Lois Porter