Mr. Fred Ditmire of 9889-W 600-N passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. from complications due to a neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Fred was born on June 19, 1934 to Raymond and Mildred Zechiel Ditmire. He enjoyed his entire lifetime living in the home he was born. Growing up he shared this home, which his grandparents built, with two brothers and five sisters. In 1952 Fred graduated from Aubbeenaubbee Township High School in Leiter's Ford. This farm was passed to his grandmother, Catherine (Mahler) Ditmire by her parents, Gideon E. and Martha Mahler. Gideon and Martha Mahler purchased this 80 acres on January 11, 1873 for $1,000.00. At the age of 18 Fred assumed the responsibility of the farm after his father died in March of 1953. In 1985, the Ditmire family received the coveted Hoosier Homestead Award for this farm (Mahler Heritage) and also a farm of the Ditmire heritage. Destined to be a farmer from boyhood, farming was in Fred's blood, it was his life and passion. With intensity and enthusiasm, he embraced life on the farm. There was only one thing better than the scent of freshly tilled soil--- and it was the satisfaction of a job well done with the bountiful autumn harvest. Fred treasured the view from his perch in the 9650 John Deere combine. More recently he rode the "galvanized gobbler," as he referred to his JD 9650, with Todd or Jeff. Through the years he accumulated additional acreage, harvesting beans, corn and wheat from 3500 acres. In addition to the crops, Fred oversaw and annually raised 400 feeder cattle. In later years he did a considerable amount of bulldozing in many surrounding communities for other farmers. During his lifetime he garnered many friendships and was well respected by friends and fellow farmers. On June 15, 1956 at the Leiter's Ford United Methodist Church, Fred married the love of his life and best friend, Mildred "Millie" Davis. Their union spanned five and a half decades and produced three children, Jeffrey, Coleen and Melanie. Fred, the proud patriarch of the family, oversaw four generations with the additions of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Serving as a devoted member of the Aubbeenaubbee Township Advisory Board for a number of years, Fred was a 54 year member of the Leiter's Ford United Methodist Church transferring his membership from the Delong United Methodist Church. To relax he enjoyed watching the R.F.D. channel. With his dedication and focus on farming, Fred and Millie did manage to make time for winter trips. There were many fond memories of Phoenix. A lifelong dream was to see the Giant Sequoia Redwoods of California, which became reality. Even though the vacations and mini-getaways were a welcomed break, there was no place like home and the farm. He enjoyed playing cards, and cherished the good times he shared with family and friends. Fred is lovingly remembered by his wife Millie at home; 1 son: Jeffrey Ditmire and wife Darla of Leiter's Ford; 2 daughters: Coleen Watwood of Culver, and Melanie Pitts and husband JayC of Rochester; seven grandchildren: Amy Mauk and husband Kenyon of Ohio, Erica Ditmire of Monterey, Brian Ditmire of Culver, Becky Watwood of Plymouth, Joe Watwood of Monterey, Katie Pitts of Plymouth and David Pitts of Rochester; 3 step-grandchildren: Jason and Jamey Arthurhultz and Jessie Sandifer; 13 great-grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren; 4 sisters: Ruth Thomas, Doris Brenner and husband Gus all of South Bend, Jean Triplet of Culver, and Jane Hartle of Argos; 2 brothers: Norman Ditmire and wife Janet of South Bend and Lee Ditmire of Culver. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Catherine P. Overmyer. Rev. Bob Metzger and Rev. Nancy Foster will officiate services at Good Family Funeral Home. Fred will be laid to eternally rest at the Leiter's Ford IOOF Cemetery.