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1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3 to learn of the death of Ronald Gayle "Ron" Bittle, Ph,D, who
4 passed away on November 28, 2024; and
5 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle was born to Howard and Pauline (Frick)
6 Bittle in Anna on July 3, 1937; he graduated from
7 Anna-Jonesboro High School, where he was a standout athlete on
8 both the football and basketball teams; he served in the U.S.
9 Navy along side his brother, Dean, on the USS Soley; he
10 received a bachelor's degree in physical education, a master's
11 degree in behavior modification, and a doctorate in psychology
12 from Southern-Illinois University-Carbondale; he married Peggy
13 Hines on December 23, 1956; and
14 WHEREAS, While a student, Dr. Bittle began working in the
15 Behavior Research Laboratory located at the Anna State
16 Hospital, now Choate Mental Health/Developmental Center, where
17 he led extensive studies of behavior therapy and behavior
18 modification; the results of these studies were shared with
19 scholars and therapists nationally and internationally,
20 bringing about positive changes in approaches to mental health
21 disorders; and
22 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle was appointed family director of Anna
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1 State Hospital in 1979, where he fostered the development of
2 close cooperative relations with community-based mental health
3 agencies and completed a vigorous program of upgrading and
4 remodeling the hospital campus; he also served as the deputy
5 director for the State of Illinois Mental Health Services
6 during this time; he retired from the Anna State Hospital in
7 1987, and a few years later, he accepted a one-year position as
8 an administrator of a neurological rehabilitation facility in
9 Mandeville, Louisiana; and
10 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle remained civically involved through
11 his life and served on the Anna-Jonesboro School Board and the
12 Union County Housing Authority Board for many years; he worked
13 to improve the quality of life for others whether through
14 serving his community, his church, or the state; and
15 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle served as a constant source of love
16 and support to his family; and
17 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle was preceded in death by his parents;
18 his brothers, Dean, Richard, Gary, and Bob; and his nephew,
19 Mark Bittle; and
20 WHEREAS, Dr. Bittle is survived by his wife of 67 years,
21 Peggy; his son, Bradley (Laurie) Bittle; two grandchildren;
22 his brother, Randy (Lynn) Bittle; his sisters-in-law, Kay
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1 (Richard) Bittle and Sharon (Dean) Bittle; and many nieces,
2 nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it
3 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
4 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
5 Ronald Gayle 'Ron" Bittle, Ph.D., and extend our sincere
6 condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved
7 him; and be it further
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