Roy Roosevelt Diteman

Roy R. Diteman, passed into the open arms of Jesus on the first day of spring 2025 (3/21/2025). Roy, a chubby cheeked, hazel eyed, curly headed boy was born to Lorna (Fish) Diteman and Curtis H. Diteman on January 17th, 1934, in Prosser, WA. He was their second child after Patricia (Lang.) It wasn’t too long before Curtis Jr., Francis, Richard, Judith (Moreno), John, and Elynda (Stiffler) were added to the family.

Curious, industrious, and responsible, Roy began building things and started working in grade school. In his late teens he worked for the Forest Service in the Youth Conservation Corps. Instead whooping it up on Friday nights, he sent his money home to help the family. Later he joined the Navy, a decision he never regretted. He always had good things to say about his service experience, as well as a sincere appreciation for the VA.

While on leave, Roy met his wife of 68 years, Laura Marie Holden, when a beautiful girl walked by on the 4th of July at Fish Lake, WA. On June 1, 1957, they married in Arlington, Virginia. Soon after their daughters, Monica L. Diteman, Cynthia L. Eaton-Wilson, and Corinne Y. Diteman were born. In the blink of an eye came their grandchildren, Tara Skitch, Jerome Rodkey, Monica Falconer, Jared Eaton, Jeremy Eaton, Lyndi Hammer, Michael Richmond and Dylan Wilson. The most recent additions are their great grandchildren Alivia, Hannah, and Sam Cope, Aurelia Eaton, Malachi Eaton, Brady Falconer, Vivien Falconer, Phaedra Eaton, Micah Eaton, Claire Falconer. Josephine Falconer, and soon to come baby, Roy Hammer.

Roy and Laura lived a life of love, family, friendship, faith, travel, music, and adventure. Always following the possibility of better work, Roy moved his family many times. They counted close to 50 moves in Washington, CA, Louisiana, and Idaho. Roy explored many career paths, but ultimately enjoyed success as building contractor out of Post Falls, ID. Where ever Roy travelled he took the time to visit family and friends. Roy continued to help plan family reunions the most recent being in 2023.

While attending church, Roy met Pastor, Bub Lawson, and along with good friends, LD Griewing and Kenny Johnson formed a prayer group in 2012, which has continued to present day. “Sow seeds,” he implored us in his last weeks. “Sow seeds of love.” Overall, he brought out the best in people.

After a major heart attack at 46, Roy was told he had 5 years to live. Living to 91 was a testament of his strength, faith, and ability to change. He was sincerely grateful to all his health care providers.

We will miss him but are blessed to have had him in our lives.

Come celebrate Roy’s life Saturday, June 28th at 1 pm at Mukagawa Fort Wright's Fosseen Room in Spokane, WA, graveside visitation to follow.