Margaret F. Ditchen

Ditchen, Margaret, F. 93, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Charleston, WV after a lifetime in Lexington, Kentucky. She is survived by son Michael and wife, Judy and their children, Ali and Matthew of West Virginia; her son-in-law Mike Bateman and children, Nicholas (Brandi) of Illinois, and Mollie (Peter) of Florida; brother, Stan Highlander of Texas and by six great-grandchildren. She spoke often of being reunited with her husband of 58 years, Phillip H. Ditchen, who preceded her in death in 2010 and her daughter, Debbie Ditchen who passed in September of 2024. Her parents were Neville and Minerva Highlander.
Maragret had a great love of family. She spoke fondly of her trips throughout the United States with husband Phil and going on cruises with daughter Debbie and granddaughter Mollie. She enjoyed getting to know her grandson Matthew talking over coffee in the mornings and her youngest granddaughter Ali after she moved to West Virginia.
She was supportive of her husband's twenty-year military career in the Air Force and traveled with him to bases throughout the United States as well as England. After his retirement, she earned her nursing degree and worked at Kentucky School for the Deaf for 16 for years until her retirement in 1987. Upon their mutual retirements, they volunteered with the National Red Cross. Margaret
specialized in Disaster Services and was a Case Manager on over fifty national and local disasters. She was honored as an 18-year volunteer with the American Red Cross National Disaster Services with a Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service. Her volunteer service with the Salvation Army was recognized in 2001. For several years, the couple provided a college scholarship for students at Red Bird Mission. She was an active member of Arlington Christian Church.
Services will be held at 11:30 am Friday, June 20, 2025. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Road. Rev. Lee Cox officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:30AM until the time of service at the funeral home