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Ruth Boycan Obituary
(Age 84)
On August 20, 2006 at Washington Adventist Hospital, formerly of Hyattsville, MD. She was predeceased by her husband, Andrew Boycan; sister, Beatrice Pinney; brothers, Wilmer, Raymond and Elmer Dittman. She is survived by her children, Peter Boycan, Andree Krause, Barbara Wright, Vera Thornton and Philip Boycan; sisters, Sylvia Kelly, Geraldine Laidlaw and Vonne Lawson; brothers, Gordon, Melvin, and Gerald Dittman; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. Viewing Monday, August 28 from 7 to 9 p.m., and where funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME, 313 Talbott Ave., Laurel, MD 20707.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Boycan
Susie Fox
August 18, 2020
I remember my Aunt Ruth so well!! We would stop and visit her when I worked at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, Maryland. My mom was Ruth s younger sister and they were very close. They wrote letters to each other every week. Aunt Ruth was beautiful, generous, caring, loving and soft spoken. It was wonderful one year, when Aunt Ruth and her son, Philip, came out to the festival to see me while I was working!! Such a nice visit. I remember Ruth and Sylvia, my mother, loved sharing stories about growing up on the farm in Wisconsin. She will always be remembered and loved. She and my mom, her loving sister are together in heaven! Your loving niece, Susie Kelly Fox
Vera (Dolly) Thornton
September 22, 2006
Hello to Everyone. Today is Mom's birthday! I want to thank all of you for your kind entries in this guestbook. It has been a great comfort to read. This guestbook and photo gallery will be available for one year, until September 23, 2007. I will continue to submit photos, so do check back. Thanks, again. Dolly
Terry Thornton
September 13, 2006
Ruth was my other Mom and she welcomed me and my children Laura and Dana into her family with open arms when Vera and I were married. We visited on holidays and she made cookie tins for everyone. I still use the 2nd wallet she gave me and will probably wear it out completely before I am forced to part with it. I was thankful to have her as a Mother-In-Law, but really, she was my Mom2. My condolences to all her brothers and sisters and to Peter, Phil, Andre, Barbara and my dear wife, Vera. She was a great and gracious Lady.
Larry Pinney
September 11, 2006
It's sad to say, but I never met Aunt Ruth, my Mothers oldest sister, or her family. My Mother spoke often of Ruth, and shared many memories of the Dittman family while they were growing up on the farm. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Larry Pinney
Susie Fox
September 11, 2006
Dearest Peter, Andreea, Barbara. Dolly and Phil,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother, my mothers oldest, closest sister.My Aunt Ruth was such a dear sweet person and so caring and generous. I have fond memories as a child when she would often send my sister and I a box of fabulous clothes all the way from Maryland. To us they were from the East Coast and so fashionable. Then, when I worked at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, I would visit Aunt Ruth and she would also make the journey and surprise me at the Festival bringing her delicous homemade carrot cake or bannan bread. Once or twice my cousin Phil come with her and it touched my heart that she came to visit me while I was so far from my home. I will miss her very much, and I know she is with all the angels because she is one!
Love,
Susie Kelly Fox
Dea Laidlaw
September 9, 2006
I'll always remember my dear sister Ruth as a most loving and compassionate sister. When my sister Vonne and I visted her with our mother, she couldn't have been more gracious. She had such kind, gentle and loving ways. I still have a letter from her that she wrote to me in her beautiful handwriting, shortly before I married. In it she reminded me of all the times we would visit her when we were little and she was working in Somerset. She enclosed a photo of my sister Vonne and me eating ice cream cones that she had given us. I'm also glad that I saved her last letters to me that were written right before her stroke.
No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for goodbye. Our caring and loving thoughts are with you all during this difficult time and may your memories bring you comfort.
Our love and prayers to you all.
Aunt Dea, Uncle Bill, Jackie, Jeannie and Jay
Vonnie Lawson
September 8, 2006
Reading through all of the entries, I cannot help but think of all the many people whose lives Ruth touched.
I will remember her always as such a loving sister and Mother to her children.
May the Lord Bless and Keep Her and always have her in His pocket,making His face shine upon her and grant her peace forever.
My deepest sadness to her children and their families.
Love sister Vonnie
Jerry Dittman
September 8, 2006
In Memory of my beloved sister Ruth- I have only the fondest memories of her, all during my life. When I was still a young boy of 9, she left for Washington,D.C. to work for the U.S. Government,leaving a great void in our lives. When I turned 10, she sent me a birthday card that I treasured and kept for many years. I had it in my "keepsake box" but when I was stationed at Ft. Bragg, I lost the box. I was heartbroken to have lost the birthday card from Ruth, I had kept for 14 years.
Rest in Peace dear sister Ruth. You will always have a place in my heart. Till we meet again, Your loving brother Jerry.
Elroy Sell
September 6, 2006
A "LONG LOST" cousin (just now learning of dear Ruth's passing) leaves me with a jealous feeling for never having known her, personally. It seems our families had grown apart over the years. It saddens me when I think of the cousins I never knew. Hopefully, it is not too late to catch up to some of you. In the meantime, please accept my DEEPEST SYMPATHY on the loss of your mom.
September 6, 2006
Dear Peter-Dolly-Phil-Barbara & Andree--We are so deeply sorry that we cannot be with you during this sad time with the loss of your dear Mother. We love you so very much. George-Sylvia -Sue and Jerry- Jaynie and Jim-Michael and Judy.
Sylvia Kelly
September 3, 2006
Dearest Dear Peter, Dolly, Phil, Andrea, Barbara
We are so very sorry- Your mom was truly one person in a million. She was my dearest of sisters- the many many times late at night that we talked for hours and the hundreds of letters that we shared-and our precious visits together- and the talks and visits with all of of you I will treasure forever! I will miss my dear sister Ruth more than words can ever say. I will never believe she is gone because she is in my heart forever. With our deep love -
George, Sylvia, Sue, Jayne, Michael
Phil Boycan
September 1, 2006
Many thanks to all for the flowers, cards, e-mails and kind expressions of sympathy on the passing of our mother, particularly to those who attended Mom's visitation and funeral. Special thanks to Gordon, Marian and Pat Dittman, and especially to (Uncle) Pete Boycan, who came unannounced all the way from L.A., CA. We are also very grateful to Uncle Pete for all of the get-well cards that he sent to Mom - every single week - for the past six years. She truly enjoyed and got a big kick out of getting her weekly mail from Uncle Pete.
The following is from the "Somerset News," Somerset, WI, 1942 (no date shown), and includes the article's factual (Mom did not have blue eyes (they were green), nor was she 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches tall) and gramatical errors. I thought that Mom's family, particularly her children, all the Dittmans, and "Uncle Pete" Boycan, might enjoy seeing this article.
Best regards, PAB
"Who's Who
Ruth Marie Dittman -
A cute little blonde was born on September 22, 1921 and given the name Ruth Marie Dittman. She stands 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches tall, has light blonde hair and blue eyes. She spent her first six years of graded school in several schools in Minnesota, and the last two years were spent at McKinley School, near [several words that are illegible]. As for her future, she had always intended on becoming an airline stewardess, but the Civil Service has claimed her as one of their stenographers in Washington, DC, where we are certain she is doing excellent work. She worked as Office Secretary for Principal Parnell for the past two years, that is before departing for Washington. Her pleasing smile could be found greeting everybody who needed assistance in the office.
She has been very active in all school events and affairs. She was elected Vice President of our class in her Sophomore year; Sec'y Treas. in her Junior year and President in her Senior year. She was a member of the Glee Club for two years, and also took part in various programs throughout her high school term."
Holly (Dittman) Carne
August 30, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Ruth's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. My dad, Raymond Dittman, always spoke of Aunt Ruth with wonder and amazement. He often remembered how she took care of the younger kids on the farm when they were growing up. He was so happy that he got the opportunity to visit with her a couple of years before he passed away. He spoke of their visit often. Aunt Ruth was kind enough to give my dad copies of pictures of them as children. It was wonderful to get to see my dad as a little boy. Again, my deepest sympathies.
Kevin Conner
August 30, 2006
Vera,
My deepest condolances to you and all your family over the loss of your mother.
Jodi (Dittman) & Craig, Adrianna, Alexandria, and Analisia White
August 29, 2006
My family and I extend our deepest sympathies at this time. Aunt Ruth made my dad, Raymond, (her brother), feel so welcome when he visited many years ago. He loved her so. I know they are catching up on so many memories now in heaven. May our Father in Heaven be a source of great comfort to you in the days ahead.
Thomas Sweeney
August 29, 2006
Dolly,Phil,and Peter,
I was fortunate to meet Ruth several years ago,and I'll always remember that day. My deepest condolences to all members of the Family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Pete Gragnani
August 28, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Melvin Dittman
August 28, 2006
I think often of how Ruth, our oldest sister cared for us younger brothers and sisters, on the Miller Farm in Wisconsin. And when she welcomed me, a young sailor in WWII, to her home in Washington when Peter was 6 months old. Settling on the west coast, it was another 30 years before I could visit her again, but I’ll always remember her loving ways. May she rest in peace.
Maxine & Edward Balakier
August 28, 2006
Wth Deepest Sympathy to my dear Sister-In-Law, Vera, and my Brother, Terry, and all Boycan & Dittman family members.
Mary and Gordon Dittman
August 28, 2006
Hi Peter,Andreia,Barbara,Dolly, and Phil!! Your Mom and Dad's home, with you all there was our live contact with my past to the Dittman Family in Wisconsin. We treasure our visits with you all!! GOD Bless you always. We Love You All!! Marian,Gordon, Sally,Pat,John,Diane,Tom,and Danny.
Guy Meeks
August 27, 2006
With Sincere Sympathy
Barney & JoAnn Walls
August 27, 2006
Phil, Our thoughts are with you and your family in your time of sorrow. May the fond memories of your Mom bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Sally MOONA
August 27, 2006
Aunt Ruth always made us feel so welcome when we visited. My Dad took us to her home when we were young. When I had a family of my own, I took them to see the sights in Washington D.C. and we stayed with Aunt Ruth for 2 nights. Sitting outside with her after dinner and watching my children catch lightning bugs was so much fun. Aunt Ruth was so loving and kind and we have warm memories of our time spent with her.
Ron Boycan
August 27, 2006
I was at Grandma's house for lunch one time and she fixed this 7 course meal for me . I never ate so much for lunch before. Then afterwards, we went outside for a walk around the house. I decided to take her picture and accidently stepped into her rose garden. The picture came out with her hands on her hips and mouth wide open. We both had a laugh afterwards. And I sure do miss her homemade pumpkin pies, they sure were good. I love you grandma!
Vonne & Lou Lawson
August 27, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Peter Boycan
August 27, 2006
May you know with certainty
that the sure and loving
hand of God
is protecting your heart
now and always.
WITH SYMPATHY
Marian,Gordon.& Family Dittman
August 27, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Mom and Dad
August 26, 2006
Mom on Wedding Day
August 26, 2006
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