Gary K. Ditto

Gary Keith Ditto, 68, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at San Pedro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Artesia, NM. Gary fought a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's disease after being diagnosed in 2009. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Gary is survived by two sons, Brady Ditto of Naperville, Il, and Todd Ditto of Albuquerque, NM; daughter-in-law, Rachael Hattler-Ditto of Albuquerque, NM; two granddaughters, Leah Ditto and Samantha Ditto, with their mother Monica Vigil Kearny of Naperville, IL; grandson, Colton Ditto of Albuquerque, NM; older brother Douglas Ditto with his wife Margaret Glancy-Ditto and their family; younger sister, Kay Smith-Davis and her husband James Davis and their family; two nieces and their husbands, Jerry Dale Thompson and Alisha Smith Thompson, and Matthew Poncelow and Heather Smith Poncelow; great grandnephew, Ty Thompson; great grandniece, Jordyn Thompson; and numerous cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his father, E.W. Ditto; his mother, Carrie Tweet Townsend Ditto; brother-in-law Danny Smith; beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins. Gary was born in Carlsbad, NM on November 22, 1947, to E.W. Ditto and Carrie Tweet Townsend Ditto. Growing up in Carlsbad, he enjoyed the outdoors and was often found hunting, fishing, hiking, shooting, and swimming along the Pecos River and in the Guadalupe Mountains. Gary played multiple sports in school, including wrestling, baseball, and football. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in May of 1965. Gary then attended Eastern New Mexico University where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration. While attending school, he also bravely served his country in the National Guard. He gained experiences in the oil fields of Southern New Mexico, the banking industry of Santa Fe, NM, and entrepreneurship as a business owner of a printing company in Albuquerque, NM. He then worked as a cost analysis specialist for a large manufacturing company based in Carlsbad for many years. Gary was blessed to have the love and support of his family as he struggled with the complications of his terrible disease, especially his sister Kay Smith-Davis and niece Alisha Thompson, and her family, who acted as his caretakers for many years. Gary became a loved member in the community at San Pedro in Artesia, NM. Gary's life will be remembered and celebrated at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, located at 1001 N. Canal St, Carlsbad, NM, on Saturday, June 4th at 2:00 in the afternoon. A reception for family and friends will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Alzheimer's Association New Mexico Chapter in the name of Gary Ditto. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com