Obituary of Vera Mae Ditch

Vera M. Ditch 86 of Syracuse passed away Saturday October 8tth , surrounded by her family. Vera Mae was born in Syracuse on July 17, 1930 to Clyde & Louise Walrath (Schoen). Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her brother Clyde. In August of 1930, Vera contracted polio, as did her mother, necessitating Vera to be raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Fred Schoen. Vera lived her entire childhood at 1006 Spring Street. She attended Percy M. Hugh’s School from K-12. During her Junior & Senior years, she worked at the SU Psychological Center and also Syracuse Elbridge. After graduating as Valedictorian in 1948, Vera worked at Crouse Hinds Co. in the invoicing department and later worked at Lincoln Bank. In 1950, Alfred Ditch became her husband and they were blessed with four children, Allen (Andrew Augustine), Carol (Stephan Bennet), Kevin (former -Susan Frank and former-Lisa Carr),Vanessa (James Littles) 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Vera has been a member of First English Lutheran Church for over 86 years. She sang in the church choir, served on the church council, headed a prayer chain group and served as church Assistant Secretary during interim times for several years. Vera served as an inspector for the Board of Elections for many years and also volunteered many seasons as a driver for the Meals on Wheels program. She also sang in the choir for the Billy Graham event at the Carrier Dome. Vera was blessed with a joyful and engaging personality and loved singing and playing hymns and songs on the piano or organ. She was generous with her time, always gave a listening ear and encouragement and spoke the truth in Love to beloved friends, acquaintances, “spiritual” children, nieces & Nephews, as well as her children and grandchildren. She will be especially missed by her dedicated friend, Claire Grant and her little beagle, Buddy. Her family was the most important thing in her life, followed by her church. During her life, Vera was a pioneer working hard to change the laws locally, in NY State and nationally. She actively worked to get the American Disabilities Act Passed and implemented; which requires handicapped access to building, schools, facilities and infrastructure. She campaigned focusing for change in this area and lived to see a world that was changed for the better, than how it was when she grew up. She made a difference for many people and was an example of forward thinking and caring for the well-being of others before herself. Calling hours will be Friday October 14 at Frasier-Shepardsen Funeral home 4pm-7pm (1217 North Salina Street) with a funeral service Saturday October 15 at 10:00am at First English Lutheran Church (501 James Street). Donations can be made in Vera’s memory to St Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis TN.