Dona Marie Ditri

Dona Marie Ditri

Cedar Rapids

Dona Marie Ditri, 63, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 18, 2025 at UIHC.

Born on November 30, 1961 in Royal Oak, Mich., Dona was the daughter of Hilda Wallace and Edwin Benson.

Dona is survived by her husband Frank Ditri, her mother Hilda Wallace, sons Frank and Ben (Casey) Ditri, Grandchildren Hayden and Elliott Ditri, and sister Doris Benson. She was preceded in death by her father Edwin Benson and her sister Luann Benson.

Dona married Frank Allen Ditri on March 2, 1984 and together they moved to Anaheim, Calif., and then onto Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they started their family and raised two sons. Dona was a stay-at-home mother until 2000 when she began teaching at Hoover Elementary School. After her retirement from Hoover, Dona volunteered at the Ladd Library where she shared her love of books with the community.

Dona was an avid reader, often spending hours a day reading her favorite novels. She loved all dogs, music, and rarely missed a Hawkeye football game. Dona will be missed by many close friends that she enjoyed spending weekends with and traveling together. She never forgot a face and could brighten any acquaintances or strangers’ day with her friendly conversation as she was around town. Dona's favorite past time was being the best Grandma to her two wonderful granddaughters.

Dona’s legacy lives on in the laughter of her granddaughters, the stories shared amongst friends, and the strength of the family she helped build. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on July 12 at 2:00 PM at the Matthew 25 event hall located at 201 Third Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and at a later date in Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Fur Fun Rescue, or Matthew 25.

The family wishes to thank the hospital staff of UIHC for the personalized care given to Dona and her family.