Juanita Ditmars

Juanita Marjory Ditmars died Dec. 26, 2003. She was born Oct. 28, 1927, in Kansas City, Mo., to Rudy and Alta Roth.

She grew up there attending local schools, graduating from high school with the intent of going on to pursue a career in nursing. Those plans went by the wayside when she was introduced to her future husband, Jewell Eugene Ditmars. Mr. Ditmars was five years older, in the Navy and overseas. Jewell’s cousin, Georgia, worked with Juanita and suggested she write this sailor. By the fifth letter, Jewell, realizing what a treasure he had in Juanita, proposed — sight unseen. She did withhold offering an official response until they had an opportunity to meet, but by then the die was cast, their love for one another growing and their lives forever entwined. Juanita and Jewell were married May 16, 1946.

After this stint with the Navy, they moved back to Missouri, where Juanita put aside her city ways to become a country girl. They managed her uncle’s farm in Centertown, Mo., for a few years where both daughters, Nita Marie and Patricia, Jean were born. The Korean War brought them back to Bremerton for short time, after which they returned again to Missouri, this time to Columbia and a small farm.

Aug. 28, 1955, a tornado struck the house with Juanita and the girls in it. Juanita managed to get everyone out safely, but she was forever haunted by every breeze. This event brought them back to the Pacific Northwest where they began anew in Seattle. Juanita continued a career in accounting with Seattle Trust and Savings Bank from which she retired in 1985.

Juanita and Jewell retired to the home they built on Whidbey Island where they enjoyed numerous activities: rock hunting excursions, winters in Arizona, Camper Club activities, fishing, Lion’s Club, and life’s many activities in their church. Juanita loved to travel and she loved trains, so it was not surprising when they seized the opportunity to participate in a couple of train trips around the western part of the US. Juanita was a fantastic cook, best known for comfort food. She loved bright colors, either wearing them or crocheting with them, and reading was also a favorite leisure activity.

Juanita was devoted to Jewell, her life’s companion, soul mate and true love. They were always a couple, doing everything together. Throughout all of life’s responsibilities, Juanita carried her share. She was fantastic in 1959-60 when Jewell was recalled to serve in Viet Nam. Managing the household, work and raising two young girls while supporting her husband’s efforts overseas, she held steady, keeping everyone on even keel.

We will miss Juanita, mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and wife. Juanita leaves behind Jewell, her husband of 57 years, her daughters, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, her brother, Rudy Jr. and his wife, Doris. Juanita was preceded in death by her mother and father.

A memorial service was held at Maxwelton Christian Fellowship Jan. 9. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to cancer or Alzheimer’s research.