Reece-Dittemore, Vailla 1950-2024 DeLand, Fla.

By NewsPress Now

DELAND, Fla. – Vailla Reece-Dittemore, 73, of DeLand, Florida, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, in a DeLand hospital. She was born Dec. 3, 1950, in St. Joseph, daughter of the late Marjorie and James Bird. She graduated from Missouri Western State University and was a Registered Nurse. She married Ronnie Dittemore on June 28, 1991.

Vailla was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Ronnie DeVere Dittemore, Ed.D.; brothers, James “Wesley”, Rodney, Robert and Leonard Bird; sisters, Diana Hammill, and Mary Bostic.

Survivors include sons, Harry “Sonny” (Keri) Reece III, of DeLand, Dr. Bryan (Lenora, J.D.) Reece PHD, of Great Plains, Texas; stepsons, Mike (Gina, R.N.) Dittemore, R.N. of Parkville, Missouri, Mark (Kristie, R.N.) Dittemore, R.N.; stepdaughter, Mary McManus, R.N., of Savannah, Missouri; grandsons, Elijah, Isaac and Asher Reece; sisters, Janice (David) Uhles and Debbi (Michael) Jones; and brother, Gary (Patti) Bird.

Graveside services and interment 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Bethel Cemetery, DeKalb, Missouri.

The family request memorials to InterServ aka Wesley House. InterServ provides hope for individuals and families in St. Joseph, bringing community leaders, volunteers, and churches together to counter the effects of poverty on children, youth, the elderly, and families (since 1909).

Online condolence, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.