Lynda Rae Dittmar

Lynda Rae Dittmar, 81, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away on October 5, 2024. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 8, 1943, to Harold and Mildred Guy. Lynda graduated high school from Theodore Roosevelt High in Des Moines, and later received a bachelor’s degree in education from University of Denver, Colorado. She was a tried-and-true Delta Gamma sorority girl, and maintained several of those dear friendships for years.

Through a twist of fate when her college roommate was running late for a blind date, Lynda stepped in to fill her spot, soon finding out this Navy man was “the one.” Ronald Dean Dittmar and Lynda were then married in July of 1965! They were married for 28 beautiful years before Ron’s untimely passing in July of 1993 at the age of 51.

Lynda enjoyed serving as an elementary educator for a short period of time in California, prior to Ron and Lynda adopting their 2 children, Stacy and Guy in August of 1971 and March of 1972. Over the years, Lynda enjoyed periodically stepping into the classroom as a substitute teacher, but primarily focused on providing educational support to Guy until he graduated high school in 1991. Later in life, she and Guy traveled the world multiple times over as loyal Holland America cruisers, when sailing the open seas and visiting every country imaginable gave the opportunity to learn even more about our wonderful world.

After losing Ron, Lynda and her growing extended family grounded themselves in Jacksonville. She was blessed to be able to see her grandsons Royce Grinaker and Reeve Grinaker, grow and thrive. Whether it was through sports, school events or travel, Lynda was there and loved every minute. Most special to her was the opportunity to spend everyday moments with her tight knit Florida family.

Lynda enjoyed many friendships over the years and held those relationships dear, many of which began due to camaraderie formed through playing bridge and being a member of Mandarin and Southside Newcomers Clubs. She adored dogs, having a particular affection for her poodles throughout life. After Ron’s early passing, Lynda found love again with Austin Schwitter, a fellow bridge player, and they enjoyed many happy years together in Mandarin and World Golf Village. Always one for a perfectly-timed joke, Austin provided much blessed companionship.

Lynda was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Mildred, her brother Tom (2015) and husband Ron (1993). She is survived by her daughter Stacy Grinaker (Brandon), son Guy Dittmar and grandsons Royce Grinaker and Reeve Grinaker.

Funeral services and reception will be held on 10/19/2024, 11 am. at Hardage-Giddens St. Johns, 1285 St. John’s Pkwy, St. John’s, FL 32259.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella, Iowa, a public benefit corporation that supports more than 200 local people with disabilities. christianopportunity.org

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