Lilly Zepeda

Lilly (Lydia Zepeda) Dittel passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on December 13, 2025, surrounded by love. Born to Antonio and Petra Zepeda (both deceased), Lilly grew up in a large, close-knit family and carried her family's warmth, humor, and generosity into every stage of her life.

Lilly was formerly married to the late Robert Jack Dittel. She is survived by their children - Robert Anthony Dittel (Kelley), Kimberly Marie Dittel (Brian Nystrom), and is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Christine Ann Dittel. Lilly adored her 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson, each of whom brought tremendous joy to her life:

Granddaughter: Nina Nicole Totanes (Jerez)

Great-Granddaughters: Daylin Mae Quinones & Kyla Totanes & Skye Totanes

Great-Great-Grandson: Kaiden

Grandson: Nicolas Westland Dittel (Bobbi)

Great-Grandchildren: Logan & Brooklyn

Granddaughter: Kirsten Lilarie Donato (Will)

Great-Grandchildren: Anthony, Ben & Carter

Grandson: Julian Kawena McFadden (Robin)

Grandchildren: Chelsea & Kyle Black (children Ruxson & Everly), Austin & Jess Miller (children Ainsley & Hendrix) & Cleo Nystrom

Grandson: Marco Kelley (son of Christine)

She is also survived by her dear brother Edward Zepeda (Evelyn) and her loving sisters Minnie and Rebecca. Lilly is preceded in death by siblings James, Jim, Elizabeth, Patricia, Anna, Mary, Matilda, Jesse, Emma, Tony, Petra, Dora, and Vera. She leaves behind numerous cousins and friends - truly too many to name - all of whom will forever cherish her memory.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (West St. Paul). Visitation one hour prior. Luncheon to follow service. Interment at Noon, on Friday, December 26, at Riverview Cemetery (West St. Paul).

Lilly will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Her spirit, her humor, and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

"We love you, Mom. Thank you for making the world brighter."

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A Life Filled with Love, Laughter & Adventure

She would jokingly send her 7 year old son & 6 year old daughter to school saying "Good Riddance" as we thought it was a formal way of saying goodbye as she saw us off to school when living in the Mt. Airey Projects.

Lilly had the unique gift of making everyone feel welcome and valued. Her laughter was infectious, her jokes were unforgettable, and her hugs always made life seem better. She was renowned for her amazing tacos - though she would proudly admit that Uncle Louie Trejo made the best enchiladas. She loved the comfort of fried chicken with mashed potatoes, a classic bologna sandwich, and fresh cantaloupe.

Though her mother didn't allow her in the kitchen growing up, Lilly learned the art of cooking from her Austrian mother-in-law, Betty Dittel, whom she loved deeply. The two shared a special bond - from pin-curl perms to perfecting dishes together.

She loved Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Elvis, Donald Trump & Mexican music similar to Rancho Grande by Freddy Fender.

Lilly enjoyed fishing and was a proud member of a women's fishing club. She was also a traveler at heart, visiting many beautiful places across the Americas and beyond - including Greece, where she visited while her son was stationed there following the Gulf War. She often said she had at least 12 marriage proposals - a testament to the joy and beauty she carried through life.

Warm, witty, caring, and strong - Lilly truly lived life to the fullest.