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Obituary For Patricia Catherine Ditch
Patricia Catherine Ditch, affectionately known as “Patti &/or Patti Cakes,” left our arms and took Jesus’s hand on May 13, 2025. Eternally 29. She will be lovingly remembered and celebrated by all those who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA). Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church; (1102 NW Weigel Drive, Ankeny, IA), with a luncheon to follow. In true Patti fashion, she wanted her life to be celebrated. For those who would like to share stories and raise a toast to her, you are welcome to join the family after lunch at The Cork; (6205 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131).
Patti is preceded in death by her parents, Deloris and Lawrence Greiner, her brother, George, and her beloved husband, Leonard Ditch. She is survived by her four daughters and eleven grandchildren, Kristin (Jerry) and their children, Gabe and Abby; Karri (John) and their children, Ella and Carson; Traci and her children, Madalyn, Luke, Jake, and Brady; Tricia (Leif) and their children, Sophia, Kolton and Kai; four siblings, MaryAnne Greene (DeWitt), Don Greiner (Independence), Rick Griener (Independence), and Nancy Wilfong (Ely).
A devoted Catholic, Patti was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. She joined the rosary group in 1978 and shared her gift of song by participating in the church choir for many years. Additionally, she tirelessly volunteered her time and talents contributing in many ways; tutoring, assisting with funeral dinners, decorating, and organizing church activities. Patti was part of a sewing group where she joyfully crafted dresses for girls in Haiti, bunted blankets for babies, and made quilts for young mothers. After moving to Ankeny in 2021, she continued her faith at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. There, she made the most beautiful friendships and was quick to join the “Prime Timers”- a group so active, her calendar begged for a nap. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life.
Patti was the second born of six children and was loved by all her siblings. She was born and raised in Independence, Iowa. After graduating from St. John's, she attended Mount Mercy College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. During this time, she spent a semester abroad in Anesmourg, Luxembourg. Her love for learning and children ultimately led her to her teaching 3rd grade at Sacred Heart School in Maquoketa for 30 years where she profoundly impacted hundreds of children before retiring.
In 1972, Patti married Leonard Ditch. Together, their love blossomed through shared passions like ballroom dancing, snowmobiling, boating, and playing Euchre with friends. Their greatest blessings were their four daughters. Nana’s grandchildren were the loves of her life, and she spent much of her retirement joyfully with them. Her biggest smiles came from days spent at the ball diamonds, football fields, and basketball courts. Snuggle time was always the best time, sandwiched in between board games, cards, reading storybooks, and coloring.
Her creativity was expressed beautifully in painting nativity scenes, sewing, tending to yard work and flowers, cleaning and organization. There was never a window in her house that was not spotless, a testament to her dedication and care. Patti loved her walks, and ended each day with a cozy Hallmark romcom, reading, doing a crossword puzzle, or playing Words with Friends. She was always the first to welcome someone new and made it her life's mission to make sure no one felt left out. She was a friend to everyone, a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, a smile to share. Those exact values were reciprocated in her “Circle 28” friendships. You know who you are. Friendships like that don’t just happen, they are formed through Christ for a purpose.
The family extends special thanks to the dear friends from Circle 28, PrimeTimers, caregivers at Taylor House, and all of her dear family and friends who supported and loved her over the years. Patti’s legacy of offering love, grace, and service will forever be cherished. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep-rooted faith and boundless generosity, inspiring all who knew her to live with purpose and love one another as Jesus taught us. Her heart was pure and bright. She touched the lives of everyone who met her, leaving an undeniable mark of kindness and compassion. Her selfless nature and unwavering faith were evident in all her actions. Patti- Heaven here on Earth.
In lieu of flowers, a donation with be made in Patti's name by the family at a later date.
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Jesi Baker planted 10 trees in memory of Patricia Catherine Ditch . - May 16, 2025
Condolences to all of her daughters whom she loved so much, she adored all of her grandchildren as she would come to all the sports games in the freezing cold all bundle up to the very hot hot days. She will be so missed from many. Jeri and I will miss seeing her at the games cheering our grandchildren on proudly. Will miss our little chit chats we had together. I know you are in the arms of our Lord looking down on all you loved. Pat you were one of the sweetest ladies I have met and will be missed so much.
Although I've known Patti ever since Traci moved to Iowa, I really got to know her deeply these last few years as we corresponded almost daily during some stressful times. She was always gracious, kind, smiling, and even in the hardest of moments she was her girls' rock. Her love for her daughters and grandchildren was truly a beautiful thing to witness and she was fierce to protect them from evil. I know she is so proud of you girls and the strong independent women you are today. It's so hard when God takes the good ones, but there's a reason for that, she has earned her spot in a far better place. She gets to be a peace now and see her daughters love for each other grow every day. She will watch over her grandchildren and will stand guard as their angel protecting all of you. I'm sure she will send you girls a sign whenever she's watching.
I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with her. Sending my love to you three girls and all of your children.
Sincerely, Jesi
To Patti's family, my deepest sympathy. She was one of the sweetest, most thoughtful ladies I've ever known. I will miss her dearly.
I am saddened by your mothers passing. The obituary was so perfect, she gave and gave and loved you girls and adored her grandchildren. You girls are one of the best things in your mothes life. Pat was very much a woman with deep religious conviction. And treated everyone with respect. I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of such a precious soul. But remember that there is no doubt that at this moment while you mourn, Pat is experiencing glory well deserved. Rest in peace Pat.
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time to all the family, especially Kristin, Jerry and kids. Keeping everyone in our prayers.
