Leila Dithmer Obituary

Leila Mae Collins was born June 17, 1920 in Mellette County, the daughter of Claude and Minnie (Hennings) Collins. She grew up and received her education in rural schools in Mellette County, graduating from Belvidere High School in 1937. After graduation, Leila attended college at Southern Normal in Springfield, South Dakota, where she earned her teacher’s certificate. She taught school in Mellette County for seven years.

Leila was united in marriage to William H. Dithmer on February 4, 1944, in Kadoka, South Dakota. After their marriage, they lived for a few years in Mellette County assisting Leila’s parents on their ranch while Leila’s brother was serving in the war. After the war they moved to Washabaugh County where they made their home on the original Dithmer home site. Leila resided on the ranch until 2003 when she moved into the Gateway Apartments in Kadoka. Leila also built a home in Kadoka where she lived during the week when her children were in high school. In 2005 she moved to Spearfish where she has since resided.

Grateful for having shared her life are one son, Bill Dithmer and his wife Belinda of Wanblee; two daughters, Claudia Little and her husband Dave of Spearfish, and LaDonna Cope and her husband Bob of Colstrip, Montana; grandchildren Carsi Padrnos, Tavis Little, BJ Cope, Bobby Cope, Amanda Johnson, and Michael Watts; great-grandchildren Jira & Max Padrnos, Cash & Clara Cope, and Chase, Corbin & Noah Johnson; one sister Fern Lindskov of Doland, South Dakota; and a host of dear nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bill, her parents, Claude and Minnie Collins, and her brother, Glen Collins.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services on Wednesday.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - 11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Lois Pettyjohn - Pianist
Carl Bauman - Vocalist
“In The Garden”
Congregational Hymn
“Rock of Ages”
PALLBEARERS
Dave Little - Bob Cope
Dave Stout - Tavis Little
BJ Cope - Bobby Cope
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Guest Book

To Bill, Claudia, LaDonna, all of Auntie Lee's Grandchildren and in-laws,
Trudy and I send our heart-felt sympathy.
With Love,
Steve & Trudy Collins
~ Steve & Trudy Collins Billings, MT (9/9/2012)

I am so sorry to hear about Leila's death. She was a wonderful person. I will keep you in my prayers.
~ Pam (Rock) Fairchild Sturgis, SD (9/9/2012)

Claudia & Family-
I send my sympathy and prayers on the death of your Mom, Claudia. I find that we miss our Moms so much when they're gone---.
Carol Kortan
~ Carol Kortan 574 Brighton Place, Mechanicsburg, PA (9/9/2012)

Coach and Claudia, sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Tim & Peggy Lester Alexandria VA (9/9/2012)