Sara Dawn (Bitler) Klingaman, age 90, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, a patient of the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Sara was a resident of her home in Hemlock township for over 24 years.
Sara was born on Thursday, July 18, 1935 in Iola, a daughter of the late Larue and Mabel (Glidewell) Bitler. She graduated from Millville High School. On August 29, 1964, Sara married her loving husband, Franklin R. Klingaman, and lived in Shumans (Shumantown), until his passing in January 1969. From 1970 until 1975, Sara, her son Ryan, and her parents, resided in Hughsville, working at the PP&L Service Center, Montoursville. In 1975, Sara and her son moved to Selinsgrove, where she then expanded her education by attending Susquehanna University and graduating with an associate's degree in business.
She was employed at the PP&L power plant, in Shamokin Dam, as an administrative assistant, until her retirement in 1994. While working at PP&L, Sara would run tours for the PP&L activities committee. Shortly after she retired, she would continue to lead tours for PP&L employees and other groups across the country, as well as in Europe, while working as a tour guide for Carefree Travel, formerly in Shamokin Dam, until the early 2000s. In 2001, Sara moved to Buckhorn to assist her aging parents.
Sara was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg and enjoyed being a member of St. Matthew WELCA Quilters; making quilts for hospice, disabled veterans, and other charities. In her free time, she enjoyed making quilts for her family. She loved the mountains and Sara was an avid flower gardener and a member of the Susquehanna Garden Club, as well as a former member of Soroptimist. Sara loved her family and friends, a variety of flowers, music, and playing the piano.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sara was also preceded in death by a sister, Lois Roberts of Buckhorn.
Survivors include her beloved son: Ryan E. Klingaman of Drums, two grandsons: Owen R. Klingaman of Taveres, FL, Jack Klingaman of Drums, and two brothers: Arthur Bitler and wife Arlene, and Gradon Bitler and wife Gloria, all of Millville.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 Market St., Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Joel L. Zeiders, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in Elan Memorial Park, Bloomsburg. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Klingaman family.
Memorial contributions in Sara's name are suggested to: WELCA Quilters, 123 Market St. Bloomsburg, PA 17815.