Virgil Lee Ditch
On December 16, 2020, Virgil went home to be with the Lord.
Born in 1933, in Ava, Illinois, he was the first born child of Earl and Avis Ditch. He graduated high school in Bradford, I L. , t hen joined the Air Force in 1 9 5 3 , a nd was s t a - tioned to Mcdill AFB near Tampa, Florida.
Virgil accomplished many honors while serving in the Air Force. He was awarded the BRONZE STAR, t he MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, and the JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL.
Other note-worthy accomplishments i nclude being named to the Bomb Wing Crew Chief HALL OF FAME, Honor Graduate from the Senior NCO Academy, and Strategic Air Command “Airman of the Year”
In 1953, while home on leave, he met his wife-to-be, Betty Stiff. They were married on June 4, 1955, in Kewanee, Illinois. Betty packed up and moved to warm, sunny Florida, away from the snow forever.
They had three children while living in Florida. A daughter, Debra, and two sons, Michael, and Steven.
In 1963, the Ditch family was re-assigned to Beale AFB. Two years later, they had a fourth child, a third son, Jeffery.
While serving his country and raising a family, Virgil still found time to take part time and night classes with Chapman University and earned his B.S. Degree.
In 1980, Virgil retired from t h e Ai r Force. Although he traveled the world, and was often away, his top priority was always his family. To participate in the lives of his children, Virgil served several years as President of Beale Little League. He also managed his own team and managed the “All Star” t eam. He served as a Scout Leader, and volunteered whenever he was needed.
Virgil was an avid fisherman with his son Mike t a g g i ng a l o ng whenever p o s s i b l e . Mike now spends the majority of his time on the river.
Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Avis, and his sister Vera.
He is survived by his wife of over sixty-five years, Betty; his sisters, Etta and Nancy; and his children, Debbie Prince (Steve), Mike Ditch, Steve Ditch, and Jeff Ditch (Raquel). In addition to seven grandchildren, and ten (or more, I lost count) great-grandchildren.
Virgil was a member of St. Daniel Catholic Church in Wheatland, where services will be held at a later date. Services are currently postponed to accommodate scheduling of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Please make donations to the charity of your choice.
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