Elizabeth Kay (Oestreicher) Dittmann

Elizabeth Kay (Oestreicher) Dittmann, 66, slipped from the bonds of earth Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at her residence in Whitefish, Montana while being comforted by her family.

Kay was born on June 7, 1947 in Du Quoin, Illinois and was the eldest child of Dwight and Wilma Oestreicher. Kay attended Wheatley Elementary school in Du Quoin. Kay moved from Du Quoin with her family to Oswego, Illinois and graduated from Yorkville High School. After her marriage, Kay moved to Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin and started a family of her own.

Kay raised her two sons in Land O' Lakes and Pocatello, Idaho. Despite geographic separation, Kay remained in close contact with her family still living in Illinois, especially, her sisters, Vicky and Wendy and her brother, Steve whose friendship she held dear.

During the last four years, Kay moved to LaGrande, Oregon, Kalispell, Montana and Whitefish, Montana in order to be closer to her sons and grandchildren and to receive care and comfort after being diagnosed with dementia. Kay had always wanted to live in Whitefish and thoroughly enjoyed being part of what she had come to consider her community.

Details regarding a memorial service to be held in Kay's honor, in Du Quoin, Illinois will be forthcoming.