Dorothy Larowe Ditmars, 85, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025, after battling illness over a period of several years.
Dorothy spent the last years of her life as a community member in Yardley, Pennsylvania where she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and close friends. She was fortunate they all lived within a hours’ distance making family get-togethers common affairs. Dorothy also deeply loved the many dogs she owned throughout the years and they were part of the family. Prior to living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Dorothy’s roots were in Mercer County, New Jersey where her family lived for generations. Born on January 31, 1939 in Trenton, New Jersey, Dorothy and her family soon moved to Pennington, New Jersey. Dorothy was the only daughter of Donald Melick Ditmars and Dorothy MacPherson Hunt. She grew up in a close-knit family with her late brother, Donald Melick Ditmars, Jr., her brothers Robert Ditmars and Douglas Ditmars, and her step-mother, Katherine Detrick Ditmars. She attended Mercer Nursing School and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Trenton State College. She was a school nurse in the Hopewell Valley School District for many years. In addition, she taught nursing for the Mercer County Vocational School. Dorothy’s professional life was important to her. She was a caring individual who felt a sense of accomplishment in her ability to help others. Her role as mother came first, but her nursing role made her complete.
Aside from her family and work life, Dorothy was passionate about her beautiful gardens. The pleasure she took in nourishing her plants was second only to tending to her children and grandchildren. All energies extended in both endeavors were done with love. Dorothy also enjoyed travelling and visited the world at large. Her sense of adventure was fed by her “let’s do it” personality. The beach was her special place. She loved the sunrises, the sunsets, and all times in between. However, it was the people Dorothy discovered throughout her journeys who mattered the most.
Dorothy is survived by her loving companion and best friend, Frank Arch, a high school classmate reunited at their 50th class reunion and her five children: Scott Phillips and his wife, Susan (Yardley, Pennsylvania), Mark Phillips and his wife, Vicki (Asbury, New Jersey), Kimberly Sheaffer and her husband, Dan (Yardley, Pennsylvania), Todd Phillips (Ewing, New Jersey), and Suzanne Yocum and her husband, Tim (Allentown, Pennsylvania). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren who lovingly called her “Madee” — Timothy Sheaffer, Molly Phillips, Sean Phillips, Kyler Phillips, Ryan Sheaffer, Katherine Sheaffer, Rachel Phillips, Kerry Phillips, Luke Yocum, Mae Yocum, and Jake Yocum – and one great-grandchild, Brady Phillips. Her brothers Robert Ditmars and his wife Pat and Douglas Ditmars and his wife Jane survive her as well in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Also important to mention, she is survived by her granddog, Breaker, who helped brighten her last days.
Dorothy was spiritually guided by the serenity prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”, and used the message relayed to help her in times of need. Dorothy was a strong, independent woman, a loving, patient mother and grandmother, and a good, faithful friend. She will be missed by all who loved her.
A private celebration of life will be held by her family. Family and friends may send online condolences to www.blackwellmh.com
In lieu of flowers, Dorothy’s family asks that memorial contributions be made to a charity that is meaningful to you. Dorothy made frequent contributions to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
