B. Marlene Ditchey 1937-2024
POLAND — B. Marlene Ditchey, lovingly known as Marlene, peacefully passed away at her home, Saturday, April 13, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of her family and in the comfort of familiar surroundings, just as she wished.
She was born May 15, 1937, in Bedford, a daughter of the late Francis and Bernice Hartshorn Rigby. She graduated from Hubbard High School. Marlene worked for the Joseph Horne Company.
To know Marlene was to know love in its purest form. Her kindness flowed effortlessly, quietly touching the lives of all fortunate enough to cross her path. Her humility and selflessness knew no bounds, always putting others before herself with a grace that seemed otherworldly. She embodied the very essence of class and sophistication and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was able to turn even the most ordinary moments into cherished memories.
She enjoyed the simple things in life, whether it be participating in her home parish, St. Michael’s, exercise club, growing beautiful flowers in her garden, finding joy within the pages of a book or listening to music. But where her personality shined through the most was with her love of painting folk-art style wildflowers, where she was able to capture their vibrant beauty with each stroke of her pencil. Transforming her artwork into magnets, she was then able to give them away freely, spreading joy and connection across the country and around the world.
Marlene’s greatest role in life was being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful legacy, her children, Vicki J. (Thomas) Sarago of Youngstown, Richard “Rich” F. Davis of Poland, Douglas B. (Kathleen) Davis of Powell and Gregory K. Davis of Poland; grandchildren, Abby (Zach) Holladay, Amanda (Haley) Moliterno and Darien J. Davis; great-grandchildren, Noah and Macy; her longtime companion, William “Bill” Lipka of Poland; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear lifelong friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Ditchey; and brothers, Merle and Gary Rigby.
Friends may call 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman, and again from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Marlene will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home. She will be entombed in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material contributions or acts of kindness may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Suite A, Girard, OH 44420, who took special care of Marlene in her time of need.
In high school, her senior superlative somehow captured the type of person she was then, and throughout her time on this earth, continued to be the true embodiment of her spirit — “Attentive to her own affairs, free from other haunts and cares.” Rest easy, Marlene.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.
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