Ada Francis “Jane” Ditton died at Skagit Valley Regional Medical Center, Mt. Vernon on August 14 , 2015 at the age of 74. She was born June 14, 1941 in Marion Country, Illinois to Burdette and Faye Brasel, the sixth of seven children. She was raised on the family farm in rural Illinois. The families had little money, but lived off the land and were self-sufficient. Because she could climb the highest tree, ride the fastest horse and compete with her older brothers as a child, she was known as ‘Calamity Jane’ from that time on.

As a senior in high school, Jane was recruited by the FBI and, upon graduation, traveled to Washington D.C., where she worked for the FBI for two years, the Department of the Army, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries and the Naval Air Rework Facility.

Jane was married to David Surles, who, upon discharge from the U.S. Air Force, took a job as a representative for the United Aircraft Corp. His job eventually brought them to NAS Whidbey and Oak Harbor. Jane and David were divorced in 1971.

Jane gained employment as a secretary for the Commanding Officer NAS Whidbey Base Chapel, where she worked from 1970 to 1983. She moved on to become Administrative Assistant to the Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor for ten years and her final four years were spent as Administrative Assistant for the Commanding Officer, NAS Whidbey Island.

Jane was married to LeRoy Ditton, a career Navy man. She and LeRoy were a perfect match. Jane gained a family and became Mom to LeRoy’s two grown children and Grandma Jane to their children. Jane also found time to serve with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves for many years.

Jane retired in 1997 and she and LeRoy enjoyed traveling, social events and relishing each other’s company. LeRoy passed away in March of 2000, following their twenty-third wedding anniversary. After retiring from NAS Whidbey, Jane decided to complete a lifelong dream and returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Chapman University.

She was a member of the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, the Tula Chapter of Eastern Star of Coupeville, where she served as Worthy Matron, and Madrona Chapter in Anacortes. She was very accomplished at quilting, crafting and sewing and for a time owned a commercial canvas bag making business. Jane loved cats and had several during her lifetime. Brandy and Mandy were her latest beloved pets, with both preceding her in death.

Jane is survived by a daughter Patricia Martin of Lafayette, OR and a son Ricky Ditton of Molalla, Oregon, her siblings, Donna Roddy of Salem, IL, Harry (Alice) Brasek of Effingham, IL, Neal (Beverly) Brasel of E. Peoria, IL and Betty Miller of Brownstown, IL; a nephew Michael Brasel of Effingham, Illinois and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy, her parents, by brothers Dale and Benny Brasel.

Eastern Star Graveside Funeral Services for Jane Ditton will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery on Friday, August 28, at 11:00am. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Vonna Thomas officiating. A reception will follow in Centennial Hall. Memorials may be made to W.A.I.F.

Please visit Jane’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.

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