K. Diane (Book) Ditmer, 86, of Port Royal, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at her home in Tuscarora.
Born Nov. 12, 1935 in Spruce Hill, she was a daughter of the late Harold H. and Madelon (Stitt) Book.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert W. Ditmer, whom she married Dec. 1, 1956, three children, R. Robin Ditmer and wife, Debbie, of Port Royal, H. Ryan Ditmer of Boalsburg, and Deanne M. Van Bortel and husband, Richard J., of Beaufort, S.C., a nephew who she raised as a son, Jerry Smith and wife, Cali, of Houston, Texas, three grandchildren, Aaron Van Bortel and wife, Alexis, Devin Van Bortel, and Jesse Smith, three siblings, Joyce Eckhart and husband, Paul, of Bethel, Verna Gilliland and husband, Bill, Mark Book and wife, Marie, and one sister-in-law, Jayne Book, all of Port Royal.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Smith, and one brother, Harold S. Book.
She graduated from Tuscarora Valley High School in 1953.
Diane started working as a bank teller [First National Bank] in Port Royal and then was a secretary for Tuscarora Valley Loan Co. in Newport and Husbandsman?s Mutual Grange Insurance Company, but she was best known throughout the area for her sewing and mending talent.
She attended Tuscarora Church of the Brethren where she served as pianist since the mid 60?s. She was a very active member of Turbett Grange #781 for more than 65 years and was active in Pomona Grange and State Grange activities. She was a 4-H sewing leader for many years and was a member of bowling leagues, bowling locally and at state tournaments, for over 35 years.
She liked animals and was especially fond of Boston Terriers and Bulldogs. She enjoyed traveling and she loved her family very much.
Her memorial service will be held at Tuscarora Church of the Brethren, 16953 Rt 333, Port Royal, (time to be announced soon). There will be no viewing.
Interment will be in Old Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal, at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tuscarora Church of the Brethren, c/o Karen Beasom, 1324 Town Ridge Road, McAlisterville, PA 17049 or to Turbett Grange #781, c/o Dorice Pontius, 9835 Mountain Road, Port Royal, PA 17082.
Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third Street, Mifflintown, PA 17059, has care of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/23/15 - Image Year: 1949
DIANE BOOK is in the third row, SECOND from the left. (Picture of Home Economics students from 1949 TVHS Yearbook.)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 2008
TURBETT GRANGE LONGTIME MEMBERS: Among those receiving 50-year pins were (seated l-r) Diane Ditmer, Sandy McClure; (standing l-r) “Buzz” McKarchey, Robert Ditmer, Jim McClure and Guy Towsey.
