09/30/2025
Florence Ditto passed away at the age of 80 on September 27th, 2025 with her loving husband Maurice at her side holding hands.
Florence (Flo / Nana) is now having coffee with her dearest past friends and family, catching up with friends Rita, Shirly, sister Gretta, Uncle Harold, Pat B. and Uncle Wayne, and probably describing the tree Maurice fell out last month, and for sure all about 2 young ladies Daralan and Davanna.
Florence was born on July 20th 1945 in Vulcan, Alberta to Mart and Annie Jose, where she grew up and lived almost her entire life on the same family farm 6 miles north of Vulcan.
Florence was no stranger to hard work from a young age, along with her best friend and sister Gretta. She was no stay in the house cooking and dolls girl – there were chickens and cattle, and many many a day sitting on an open air / steel seat W9 International.
In 1960 Florence met the love of her life Maurice Ditto and they were wed on September 19th 1963. Florence was a young bride to Maurice when Maurice accepted a position on the Stuart Douglass farm, and it was at this time Florence and Maurice had 2 sons – Duane and Dean. Florence was an integral part of the farm, and on a moments notice would have a hardy meal fit for hardworking men, and get it out to the field in record time. Stuart always appreciated her driving when a machine part was necessary in the middle of harvest. Why? Because Florence could drive like a Bat Outta Hell! A dust cloud could be seen for a mile or so, as the fins on the back of the Chev Biscayne stabilized the car so she didn't get airborne. She could always stick the gravel roads, no matter how much mud or gravel was in her path.
All the women of that era wore bouffant hairdo’s. Darlene and Lesley (nieces) were little girls, and would watch in wonder while Florence back combed her beautiful blonde hair. She then had to set it with a half can of hair spray. It looked very becoming on her, and served a daily purpose. No Alberta wind could mess that cute hairstyle. Of course she looked amazing, while Maurice sported his classy duck tail black hair. She was a gorgeous tall blonde with long legs, to his dark and handsome looks.
Florence was incredibly talented, and loved the farm life. She loved good hard work. She could make beautiful crafts, keep a clean house, all while either helping paint a huge barn, driving a grain truck during harvest, or cooking meals for all the hired men.
Florence had learned how to play the accordion when she was young. During school she took business courses, and learned secretarial shorthand ~ some kind of archaic code that only secretaries could write, decipher, and comprehend.
In 1977, Florence & Maurice moved to Florence’s family farm where her & Maurice took over its operation. Life wasn’t easy – nothing was handed to them for free. They started with an 1850 Cockshutt tractor & a 96 JD combine. While Maurice worked days at S & S Concrete, Florence took jobs off the farm (dairy bar, bakery, IGA, etc.) all while raising her two boys, along with chores for a wide assortment of animals, plus always making sure supper was ready for Maurice getting home and family. Then heading out to the field during harvest and seeding times, driving the truck, and all the while doing all the household chores and making lunches and making sure the kids got to all activities. Florence amazingly performed all this as while having been diagnosed with MS around 1984.
In 2014 this somewhat changed with Maurice retiring from farming. Florence still had an off the farm job, but more time was spent in her passion of yard work. Anyone who visited the farm would be well aware of the passion and time Florence and Maurice put into the upkeep of the farm. Although in the last few years, Florence was unable to do the work herself, most any day in the summer you could look out and Florence would be in her scooter directing Maurice on what needed to be done.
In 2001 the newest passion of Florence arrived as a sweet baby girl named Daralan, her first of two beautiful granddaughters. Davanna was born shortly after in 2004. It was now “Nana and Papa” where they became fixtures at every possible school function and sporting event. Nana was the first ready to travel anywhere to any town/city to watch the lights of her life at any opportunity. Along with countless days teaching two girls to cook, and many crafts, and general teachings of “Life Values”. The highlight of Nana’s life for last 10 years – each and every weekend watching Daralan & Davanna play hockey on TV where ever they may have been, from Okanagan to Windsor, to Freemont Nebraska.
Florence (Flo / Nana) will be dearly be missed by her Husband and best friend Maurice of 62 years, and Granddaughters Daralan and Davanna who for them, the world revolved around Nana.
Florence is survived by husband Maurice, son’s Duane and Dean (Jennifer), granddaughter’s Daralan and Davanna and niece Lavonda (Kim / Cole / Kera)
Predeceased by Mart and Anie Jose (Father and Mother), and Gretta Loose (sister)
A graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at 12:00 Noon.
Family and Friends are welcome to come to Florence & Maurice’s farm for coffee following the graveside service.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.
