Vailla Reece-Dittemore 73, of DeLand, FL., formerly of St. Joseph, MO., passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 in a Deland, FL. hospital. She was born December 3, 1950 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Marjorie and James Bird.
She graduated from Missouri Western State University and was a Registered Nurse. She married Ronnie Dittemore on June 28, 1991.
Vailla was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dr. Ronnie DeVere Dittemore, Ed.D., brothers, James "Wesley", Rodney, Robert and Leonard Bird, sisters, Diana Hammill, and Mary Bostic.
Survivors include sons, Harry "Sonny" (Keri) Reece III of DeLand, FL, Dr. Bryan (Lenora, J.D.) Reece PHD of Great Plains, TX, stepsons, Mike (Gina, R.N.) Dittemore, R.N. of Parkville, MO., Mark (Kristie, R.N.) Dittemore, R.N., stepdaughter, Mary McManus, R.N. of Savannah, MO, grandsons, Elijah, Isaac and Asher Reece, sisters, Janice(David) Uhles, and Debbi (Michael) Jones, and brother, Gary (Patti) Bird.
Graveside services and interment 2:00 pm Saturday June 22, 2024 at the Bethel Cemetery, DeKalb, MO. The family request memorials to InterServ aka Wesley House. InterServ provides hope for individuals and families in St.Joseph, bringing community leaders, volunteers, and churches together to counter the effects of poverty on children, youth, the elderly, and families (since 1909).
