Ada Frances “Jane” Ditton died at Skagit Valley Regional Medical Center, Mount Vernon, on Aug. 14, at the age of 74.

She was born June 14, 1941, in Marion Country, Ill., to Burdette and Faye Brasel, the sixth of seven children. Because she could climb the highest tree, ride the fastest horse and compete with her older brothers as a child, she was known as “Calamity Jane” from that time on.

After graduating from high school, Jane worked for the FBI, the Department of the Army, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries and the Naval Air Rework Facility.

Jane was married to David Surles, who, upon completing his service in the U.S. Air Force, served as a civilian aircraft representative and was assigned to NAS Whidbey Island and Oak Harbor. Jane and David were divorced in 1971.

Jane became secretary to the commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Base Chapel (1970-1983), then for the commanding officer of Naval Hospital Oak Harbor. Her final duty was as secretary to the commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Island.

Jane was married to LeRoy Ditton, a career Navy man. She gained a family and became mom to LeRoy’s two grown children. She also found time to serve with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves for many years.

Jane retired in 1997. Following the death of her husband, she decided to complete a lifelong dream and returned to school, earning her bachelor of arts degree in social science from Chapman University. She was a member of the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, the Tula Chapter of Eastern Star of Coupeville, where she served as Worthy Matron, and the Madrona Chapter in Anacortes. She was very accomplished at quilting, crafting and sewing and for a time owned a commercial canvas bag business.

Jane is survived by a daughter, Patricia Martin of Lafayette, Ore., and a son, Ricky Ditton of Molalla, Ore.; her siblings, Donna Roddy of Salem, Ill., Harry (Alice) Brasek of Effingham, Ill., Neal (Beverly) Brasel of E. Peoria, Ill. and Betty Miller of Brownstown, Ill.; a nephew, Michael Brasel of Effingham, Ill.; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy.

Eastern Star graveside services for Jane Ditton will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Vonna Thomas officiating. A reception will follow in Centennial Hall. Memorials may be made to W.A.I.F.

Please visit Jane’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.