Rose Mary Dittmer

Rose Mary Dittmer passed from her earthly home to be with her Lord on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Hope West – Ferris Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 92 years old. She lived a life of service, rich with family and life-long friends, touched by her giving nature.

She was born on July 23, 1933, in Central Minnesota to John L. Thell and Regina Palmersheim. After high school, she enrolled in Nursing School in St. Cloud, Minnesota, fulfilling her life-long dream of becoming a registered nurse. After graduation, she moved to Denver, Colorado with friends, with the intention of moving on to California. Fortunately for her children, she never made it because she met her future husband, Edwin Dittmer. They were married on November 28, 1957, in Mayhew Lake, Minnesota. Over the course of 59 years of married life, they lived in Colorado, Alabama and Georgia until they finally retired in Cedaredge, Colorado. In 2008, Delta, Colorado became their final home.

Rose had a long and fulfilling career in nursing, working at various hospitals in the Denver area, including The Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. After moving to Cedaredge, Colorado in 1974, she devoted over 20 years to nursing at the Delta County Memorial Hospital before retiring in 1994. After retirement, she volunteered at the hospital for many years. She was a familiar, smiling face to so many in the Delta, Cedaredge and Hotchkiss communities.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (Butch) Widner of Hotchkiss, Colorado; Mary Lynn Dittmer of Hotchkiss, Colorado; Patti Hunt of Oak Harbor, Washington; and Philip Dittmer of Hotchkiss, Colorado. She has eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eddie, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation/Rosary will be held at the Taylor Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Delta, Colorado, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by graveside services at the Cedaredge Cemetery. Lunch will be provided afterwards at St. Michael’s Parish Hall in Delta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Rose’s name to Hope West - Ferris Hospice Care Center at 3090 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, Co 81506. 970-241-2212. Hopewestco.org