Juanita Marjory Ditmars, 76, of South Whidbey, died on 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. Mrs. Ditmars’ cousin, Georgia, worked with Juanita and suggested she write this sailor. By the fifth letter, Jewell, realizing what a treasure he had in Juanita, and proposed sight unseen. The couple was married May 16, 1946.

After this stint with the Navy, the couple 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.

On Aug. 28, 1955, a tornado struck the house with Juanita and the girls in it. Mrs. Ditmars managed to get everyone out safely, but 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.

Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars retired to the home they built on Whidbey Island, where they enjoyed numerous activities: rock hunting excursions, winters in Arizona, Camper Club activities, fishing, Lions Club, and life’s many activities in their church. Mrs. Ditmars loved to travel and loved trains, so it was not surprising when the couple seized the opportunity to participate in a couple of train trips around the western part of the U.S.

According to family, Mrs. Ditmars was devoted to her husband, her life’s companion, soul mate, and true love. They were always a couple, doing everything together.

Mrs. Ditmars leaves behind Jewell, her husband of 57 years; her daughters; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; her brother, Rudy Jr. and his wife, Doris.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

A memorial service was held Jan. 9 at the Maxwelton Christian Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to cancer or Alz-heimer’s research.