- Date Of Birth: July 5, 1932
- Date Of Death: January 4, 2023
- State: Missouri
Vernon “Wootsie” Ditch, 90, passed peacefully, surrounded by family Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Born July 5, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, son of the late Jerry Francis and Vera Elizabeth and a brother to Marie, Irl, Gene, Betty, Jesse and Vera Ann. He is survived by his wife, Lela Joanne, sons Jerry (Judi) Ditch, Joey (Jane) Ditch and daughter Jill (Rocky) Sickmann. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Wootsie attended grade school at Home Heights in St. John and then went to Ritenour High School. He served his country in the United States Army in Fairbanks, Alaska. Following his service, he joined the trades as a Welder and Pipefitter. His dedication to the union was obvious, working for the Pipefitters Local 562, beginning in 1955 and was a proud member since. He was also a devout Mason for 67 years.
In 1955, he married his eighth grade sweetheart, Lela Joanne Johnson. Together they raised their three children on top of a hill off Schluersburg Road in Augusta, Missouri. Wootsie and Joanne celebrated many milestones, including 68 years of marriage. She was truly the love of his life. What an outdoorsman he was! It was well-known that he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Thanks to this pastime and his love of cooking, his family enjoyed the most amazing stuffed duck, fried fish, and deer meat.
Wootsie will certainly be remembered for his hard work as a Pipefitter and Farmer. He was also quite the family man. He never missed a dance recital, play, or a hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and softball game. He was known for snagging the front seat to cheer us on and we’ll never forget his lessons on how to fossil hunt, fish or send out a good duck call.
Wootsie, fondly known by his family as “Pop” and “Papa Wootsie”, will never be forgotten. The legacy and blessings he leaves behind are ones that will be forever cherished.
We hope you can join us in celebrating Wootsie’s life.
