Cindy Kaye Dittmer, 58

On Jan. 5, 2015, “Heaven was blessed with a new angel.” Cindy Kaye Dittmer of the Flathead Valley passed peacefully in the early morning hours, at the age of 58, in Seattle.

Cindy was born April 3, 1956, in Kalispell, Thomas and Mikell Tonkinson. 

She moved to Shelton, Washington, as a young woman where she met and went on to marry Mack Howard Dittmer Sr., in October of 1974. Mack and Cindy were soon blessed with three children. Kayla, Mack Jr., and Lacy. Mack worked hard as a logger, and while Cindy worked various jobs throughout her life, her main focus was creating a loving home for her family.

Cindy was the proudest of mothers. She spoke of her children all the time and absolutely doted on her grandbabies, Keyawna Janice, Eli Mack, Riley Tyce and Payden Louise. She had many friends and anyone who knew her would tell you she was a real kick to be around, the life of the party. Cindy was very talented in both writing and various forms of art. She loved camping, bottle digging, working in her yard and on her home. Cindy was also an excellent pool player. She was always busy doing something, especially cleaning. She would rake around our campfires so the ground would "look nice," which is just one of countless funny memories we will keep of her. She could make any house a home and she did. Cindy welcomed all walks of life into her heart. She said, "Sometimes people just need a little help."

In 2004, Cindy met the love of her life, Ernest Gravelin, and her family happily grew, adding four children, Ronelle, Erin, Danielle and Bo, and seven grandchildren, Kaleb, Colton, Kearra, Taylor, Fisher, Gunner and Michael. For several years, the book of memories grew in bringing the two families together and it showed in the way our mom surrounded herself with pictures of her loved ones.

Cindy is survived by her daughter, Kayla Janice Dittmer; son, Mack Howard Dittmer Jr. and wife, Kelly; daughter, Lacy Lee Anderson and husband, Cody; brother, Rick Tonkinson and wife, DeAnna; sister, Debra Dishon and husband, Jerry; stepmother, Caroline Tonkinson; and grandchildren, Keyawna, Riley, Eli and Payden.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Tonkinson; mother, Mikell Tonkinson; former husband, Mack Dittmer Sr.; and mother in law, Peggy Dittmer.

Our mother left a legacy of happy, funny and loving memories that will never be forgotten. She lit up any room with just a smile and will be greatly missed. 

Services are to be held June 6, 2015, at a time and venue to be later determined. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cindy's life.