Helen Dittlinger

Helen Elvira Dittlinger, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center.

She was born at Lutesville, Mo., at the home of her grandmother, Elvira Key Watkins, to Samuel Edward Dial and Beulah Hunt Dial. She married Albert Alphonse Dittlinger July 4, 1935, at Benton, Mo. He was a descendant of the old Dittlinger and Thilenius families whom were well established early in Cape Girardeau and owned all the property where Southeast Missouri State University now stands. He died June 15, 1994.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Cape Girar-deau, and active in her class. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star; Cape Rock Chapter 60 gave rituals for their deceased sister. She was a member and past officer holding several positions.

Helen was initiated into St. Mark's Chapter 167, Oct. 1, 1965, and transferred to Cape Rock Chapter 60 Sept. 24, 1970, to help start another group. This was when the Missouri state office requested another chapter be started in Cape Girardeau. From 1966 to 1971 she held various offices.

In 1972 Helen and husband Albert were worthy matron and worthy patron. She was secretary from 1975 to 1991. She was appointed grand representative of Manitoba in July 1977. She received her 25-year membership badge in 1990. She was secretary again in 1994, since which time she was marshal and the star point Ruth.

Helen was also a member of Women's Scottish Rite Club. She became a member of Nancy Hunter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in 1996. She was a troop leader for Boy Scouts several years, starting with Cub Scouts through Eagle Scouts.

Helen and Ditt loved to go fishing and had a cabin on Current River, where they enjoyed taking family and friends. She was a grand lady and always relied on by family and friends to do whatever was needed.

Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Bobbie Dittlinger of Whitewater; a brother, the Rev. Robert Edward Dial of Benton, Ill.; two sisters, Imogene Welch of Benton, Ill., Wanda Zoellner of Tucson, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Edward Dittlinger of Cape Girardeau and Christina Robin Dittlinger of St. Mary, Mo.; five stepgrandchildren, Jim Will-iams of Sikeston, Mo., Carl Eckhoff of Jones, Okla., Robert Eckhoff of Rayford, N.C., Larry Eckhoff of Nebraska, Tracy Deck of Whitewater, Mo.; a great-granddaughter, Josie Dittlinger of Cape Girardeau; and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her only son, Eric Edward Dittlinger, born Jan. 17, 1944, in Cape Girardeau. He died Aug. 10, 2001. Also preceding was a brother, Ray William Dial; three sisters, Helen Dial Brown, Pauline Dial Gaither, and Vergia Dial Willmore.

Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at New Lorimier Cemetery, with the Rev. Jay White officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.