Ermella Ditch

ERMELLA M. DITCH

Ermella M. Ditch, age 95, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2015, in the comfort of her daughter’s home in Winona, surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 31, 1920, in Douglas, ND, to John and Mary (Loch) Finken.  Ermella was united in marriage with Donald C. Ditch on June 4, 1946, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Douglas, ND.  Don preceded her in death just three months ago on July 25, 2015.

Ermella and Don made their home in Douglas, ND.  She was employed as a clerk with the United States Post Office in Douglas, and retired from there as the Postmaster.   In 1985, Ermella and Don moved to Minot, ND, and in 2002, they moved to Winona to be closer to their family.  While in Minot, Ermella and Don enjoyed volunteering at the Minot food pantry.

She was a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, and was active with the Young at Heart Group at the Cathedral until she and Don moved to Callista Court Assisted Living in Winona.

Ermella will be remembered for her enjoyment of sewing, embroidery, and cooking.  She was a devoted wife, mom, and grandma whose deep Christian faith and the love for her family were the foundations of her life.

Ermella is lovingly survived by her daughters: Linda (Bob) Stehberger, Alexandria, MN; Janet (Roy) Hagen, Wilton, IA; Julie Ditch, Davenport, IA; and Mary (Bob) Keller, Winona; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandsons; sister: Cris Woiwode, Minot, ND; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; infant twin sons, John and Donald; son, Kevin; grandson, Chad Hagen; parents; and two brothers: Wilmer and Everett Finken.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 2 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, in the Chapel of Our Lady at St. Anne Extended Healthcare in Winona.  The Reverend Robert P. Stamschror will officiate.

Ermella will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

Visitation will be held in the Chapel of Our Lady at St. Anne Extended Healthcare on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, from 1 PM until the time of the Mass.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Ermella’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com