Vi Marjorie Dittman

Vi Marjorie Dittman, our loving wife, mother, sister, nana and great grandmother, peacefully departed from this earthly life on the evening of Monday, May 13th in St. George, Utah. Vi was born on November 20th, 1939 in Leola, South Dakota the fourth of six children to Louis and Alvina Hammrich.

Growing up on the family farm, she cherished her horse, Dan, playing games with her siblings, and going outside to soak up all the peace and quiet. She attended a one-room schoolhouse where she rode her horse Dan to and was the only child in her class for the first 8 years until high school. There, she became known for her cheerful and attractive smile. While attending high school, Vi participated in activities such as girls’ glee club, her junior class play, and newspaper and librarian staff. During this time, she also worked at the local bakery, a job that allowed her to save money, giving her the freedom to leave the small town of Leola to pursue her dreams of working for the airlines and traveling the world. It was evident from a young age that she possessed a rare blend of tenacity, resilience, and bravery, which helped her through airline school and beyond.

For 64 years, Vi shared her life with her beloved husband, Jerry. The pair caught each other's eye at an airline party in Chicago and married one year later in October 1959 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. They welcomed four beautiful daughters and made a home in several different states over the years. Residing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, California and finally retiring in Utah.

Vi’s house was filled with the sounds of love, laughter, country, gospel, opera, Elvis Presley and Rush Limbaugh. She found joy in playing card games, domestic projects, game shows, couponing, and “leaving her husband in the dust” on the highway. Her steadfast dreams of travel became a reality as she was able to visit places around the world such as Greece, Denmark, Alaska, Florida, Mexico, and Australia.

In January 1974, Vi and her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities including as an ordinance worker in the San Diego Temple and in the Bishop Store House with her husband and occasionally their granddaughter. She and her husband Jerry were sealed for eternity in 2007 on their 48th anniversary in the Bountiful Utah Temple.

Vi was a beacon of wit, stoicism, and kindness, illuminating the lives of all who knew her despite grappling with numerous health challenges. Her journey with multiple sclerosis was a testament to her unwavering patience and resilience. Even when diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, Vi remained a pillar of positivity, confronting each physical, mental, and emotional hurdle with grace. With the aid of dialysis, she gifted us with an additional seven years of her presence, a cherished blessing. Now, she rests in the embrace of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Vi will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind, who take comfort in the memories they shared and the love she bestowed upon them. She is survived by her loving husband Jerry; daughters Julie [Brian], Sue [Robert], Beth [Cameron] and Amy; grandchildren Jordyn [Ryan], Sydney, Paige [Austin], Dalan, Courtney, Rachel [Chandler], Londyn and Lauren; great-grand-children Mika and Jack; sisters Barbara and Diana [Ray]. She is preceded in death by her brothers Walt, Gilbert and Robert; and parents Louis and Alvina.