Tuesday, September 1, 2015

ANITA M. DITTRICH


Anita M. Dittrich, 93, died August 30, 2015 peacefully at Our House Senior Living in Medford where she resided for the past year.

Anita was born February 8, 1922 to Grover & Elsa (Pechstein) Rueth. As a young girl, she waitressed at the Riverside Hotel, which was owned by her parents. On January 25, 1941 she married Vernon Dittrich. They spent nearly 50 years together before he passed away on January 21, 1991.

She was an accomplished artist, painting in many mediums including oil, watercolors and acrylics. Although she won many awards, Anita did not paint for the recognition, but rather for the pure joy it brought her. Her collection of work will continue to be enjoyed by family and friends forever.

Besides her love of painting, she also enjoyed feeding the birds outside her home as well as at the Mill Pond in Medford. Once the birds were fed and singing happily, she could be found tending to her assortment of summer flowers.

Anita was a talented woman away from her studio as well, enjoying baking, cooking and playing the piano and organ. She found it easy to spend hours at her piano, playing the many classics and holiday tunes, many of which she played by memory. Those close to her will always remember the soothing music that echoed through her house.

It is easy to say that all of her joys in her life were a method of making the people around her feel loved.

She will be missed by many, survived by her children, David (Barb) Dittrich, Pat Dittrich, Tom Dittrich, Ed (Darla) Dittrich, Diane (Frank) Krueger of Medford, Bob Dittrich (significant other Kathleen Olynick) of Holcombe, Debbie Dittrich of Eau Claire, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister Jewell Hoesel.

Services will be held at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford on Wednesday September 2nd; Visitation from 4:00-7:00, Service to follow.