Clarion, Pennsylvania
Apr 7, 1934 – Oct 13, 2025 (Age 91)
Jennie Lou Myers (Simpson) Ditty, 91, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the McKinley Health Center in Brookville with her loving family at her side.
Born April 7, 1934 in Sligo, she was the daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Platte) Myers.
After graduating from Clarion High School in 1952, she met her first husband, Ray, at the skating rink that her uncle owned and operated in Rimersburg.
She married Ray Simpson on May 12, 1954.
They had one son together, Will Simpson.
While raising Will, she could often be found working at Arner's Florist Shop for her older sister Nellie.
Jennie married William "Bill" Ditty or "Papa" as she lovingly called him on March 14, 1986. They were often seen together at church events throughout their 17 years of marriage until his passing on April 26, 2003.
Throughout her life, she loved reading the Bible, gardening, canning, cooking, collecting glass kittens, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, baking, cultivating flower beds and spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.
Jennie served the Lord as a Sunday school teacher, a member of Grace Community Church, the choir, engaging in women's groups, coordinating Vacation Bible School and other church social activities.
She was known for creating delicious food in the kitchen and often showed her care through the delicious treats she would make. She is famous for her homemade angel food cakes, and egg noodles.
Jennie is survived by one son, William R. "Will" Simpson and his wife, Marcy, of Marble; four grandchildren, Cassandra (Brad) Knight of Montgomery, Texas, Katrina (Skip) McCleary of Harrisonburg, Va., Dalton (Alyxie) Hill of Aliquippa and Hannah Hill of Gallatin, Tenn.; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Charlene Myers of Sligo; and a special friend, Cindy Schrecengost of Fryburg.
In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Clifford, Kenneth, Platt, Daniel, Lester and Fred Myers; four sisters, Joy Wagner, Evelyn "Tot" Bigley, Rosalind (Switzer) Nelson and Nellie Arner; and a granddaughter, Amanda Hill.
Jennie's family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday October 15, at the Varner Funeral Home in Sligo.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the funeral home, with Pastor Tim Shimmons, associate pastor at Grace Community Church, officiating.
Interment will follow in the Churchville Presbyterian Cemetery.
A sincere thank you to McKinley Health Center and to the Clarion Forest VNA for their care.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Clarion Forest VNA, 271 Perkins Rd., Clarion, PA 16214 or to the Grace Community Church, 3225 Curllsville Rd., Sligo, PA 16255.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Varnerfuneralhome.com.
Grandma Jennie was so special to me when she married Grandpa Bill Ditty. As I grew older I was impressed with how much of a prayer warrior she was. She had a huge heart and would faithfully pray for so many people. That stays with me today as an example that I want to follow. I was sad to hear the news of her passing, but have joy knowing she´s with the Lord. Love Scott Watkins and Family
Scott Watkins
October 18, 2025 | Family
Jennie was so kind to me when we sang together at Zion Church. A sweet Godly lady. My condolences to her family.
Pat Henry
October 15, 2025 | Friend
My deepest condolences the family. Jennie was a very nice person, and I enjoyed all of my conversations with her and Tot at church.
Ellen Holt
October 14, 2025 | Other
I´m so very sorry for your loss Will. What a sweet lady.
Pam Moore
October 14, 2025 | Friend
So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you all during this time.
Bryan Vogle
October 14, 2025 | Family
