of Conway, AR
December 16, 1970 - May 1, 2024
Karen ''Lori'' Lorraine Bittinger, 53 of Conway, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Lori was born to Jerry and Carroll Bittinger on December 16, 1970. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kent Gwatney, and her parents, Jerry and Carroll Bittinger.
Lori was born in Dumas, Arkansas. She graduated from Ole Main High School, Class of 1989, in North little Rock, AR and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2014 from the University of Phoenix in Little Rock, AR. She pursued her love of children and animals by working at various day cares, pet stores, and veterinary clinics before becoming the primary caregiver for her parents for many years.
In addition to being a caregiver to her parents, she was a second mother to her nieces and nephews. She spent many years getting all the kids to and from school and various extra-curriculars, sleepovers, and appointments. Instilling her love of music in them including anything from Air Supply, The Carpenters, Randall Shreve, and Blue October to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Beastie Boys, Sir Mix-a-Lot and everything in between by embarrassing them at the drop-off or pick-up line blaring whichever she was feeling that day. She packed lunches for them and wrote song lyrics instead of names on the bags. She truly devoted her life to being a caregiver and provider not only to her family, but to anybody who needed it.
Lori never met a stranger, young or old. She had the gift of gab and the ability to make everyone she met fall in love with her. She was full of life, despite her health conditions, and enjoyed attending shows and concerts with her family often.
In her later years, Lori struggled with her health. She fought hard every day until the end when she was able to join those that preceded her and who she missed dearly.
Lori is survived by her daughters, Kaelyn Bittinger, Taylor Davis (honorary), Kenzie Webb (honorary); step-daughters, Judy Lauderdale, Robyn Pounders-Davis; siblings, Peter Bittinger, Polly Bittinger, Tim [[][[]]Beth] Bittinger; nieces and nephews, Corissa Withrow, Emily Withrow, Zachary Withrow, Ethan Withrow, Trinity Bittinger, Gavin Bittinger, Adalyn Bittinger, Emerson Bittinger, Hunter McCaig, Jonathan McCaig, Riley Venable, Autumn Gardner; great-nephews, Caden ''CJ'' Withrow and great-nephew due in August of 2024; grandchildren, Ayden Padilla, Lyam Padilla, Tatum Davis, Aubrey Davis, Sidney Davis, and Kacey Bagwell. Most lovingly by her ride or die…Squishy Mushy the Pomeranian.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1:00pm at 4107 Hillard Road, North Little Rock. Flowers may be sent to Polly Bittinger, 11 Par Drive, Apt 10, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210.