Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Alison Ward Ditzen got a taste of life beyond the Steel City when she went to summer camp in New Hampshire and the Grier School in Tyrone, PA. She attended Muskingum University and remained in touch with her sorority sisters all of her life. Athletics and studio art were areas that Alison gravitated toward, which led to a summer in Europe with a fellow alum following  graduation. Post college life took Alison to New York City where she attended Katherine Gibbs and enjoyed life in the Big Apple.  It was in New York that Alison met Jerry Ditzen, a Phoenix native pursuing his advertising career.  Alison and Jerry married in 1974 and the newlyweds moved to Denver, sight unseen, living there for a few years until deciding to settle in Phoenix.  Alison, a great organizer and communicator, worked at Marriott’s Camelback Inn Resort & Spa until her retirement. 

Though they didn’t have children, Alison and Jerry had a slew of lucky animals, mostly small dogs from the animal shelter and in later years a few cats. As much as Alison and Jerry loved Phoenix, they also loved the ocean and spent their vacations in San Diego until deciding to build a beach house in Mexico. This exciting venture included learning Spanish and figuring out what it takes to build a home from scratch—at a distance.  After a number of years enjoying their beach home, they sold the house and soon found a place in Munds Park, AZ splitting their time between there and Phoenix.  In Munds Park Alison was easy to spot on her porch reading and feeding the birds.  Alison and Jerry also  traveled in their golden years and went on a few cruises taking them to Alaska and other enticing places.  Jerry died in October 2019 at age 77, on the day of their 47th wedding anniversary.  Alison died in April 2021 just a few months short of her 75th birthday.

Alison will be remembered for her wit and humor, integrity, her unique take on life, her typewritten notes, a love of animals, being able to take charge of a situation, strength, and a sentimental side, as well.  Alison’s family wishes to thank the Muskingum community (shout out to the Deltas!) for their support and sympathy.