Kathryn Boyle

Kathryn Boyle, a dedicated educator and beloved matriarch, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on June 5, 1927, in Wheaton, Kansas, Kathryn was the daughter of Fenn and Sadie (Brown) Ward. She spent her formative years in Highland, Kansas, where she graduated from high school in 1945.

After marrying her childhood sweetheart, Harold Eugene Dittemore, in August 1949, Kathryn went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas the same year, becoming a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. With a passion for science and education, she worked in a cancer research lab at the K.U. Medical Center while supporting her husband through medical school. Following their move to Liberal, Kansas, Kathryn welcomed three sons into the world: Kevin Ward, born in 1955, followed by Carl Fenn in 1957, and Dirk Adam in 1958.

After her divorce in 1967, Kathryn's determination led her to return to school, allowing her to earn a certification to teach Chemistry in secondary schools from the University of Northern Colorado. She further pursued her love for learning, ultimately earning her Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 1974.

Upon receiving her doctorate, Kathryn accepted her first teaching position at the University of Washington in Seattle before relocating back to her home state of Kansas. In 1975, she joined Friends University in Wichita, where she thrived as a professor of organic and inorganic Chemistry for over 40 years, retiring in May 2017. Throughout her tenure, Kathryn not only educated her students but inspired countless young minds, embodying a passion for inquiry and understanding.

In 1976, Kathryn fell in love and married Hugh Halsey Boyle, a Wichita pathologist. This union brought three stepchildren into her life: Cathy, Bruce, and Patrick Boyle. Their marriage was a source of joy until Hugh's tragic passing due to an airplane accident in 1987.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Kathryn cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known for her vibrant personality, she left an indelible mark on the lives of her family. She had a keen interest in genealogy, dedicating her time after retirement to unraveling and sharing her family's history. Many reminisce about the heartwarming conversations and shared laughter that stemmed from her stories about her ancestors.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren hold cherished memories of times spent with "Grandma Kathryn," who always found ways to engage and encourage them. From discussions about their future to unforgettable outings, she made each moment special, whether it was taking road trips or going to the movies. Her influence extended far beyond familial love—she expressed her support actively, often advocating for their education and future endeavors.

Special memories from family:

— Mom had a passion for genealogy and after retiring from Friends would spend many productive hours looking into and sharing stories involving her family tree – Carl remembers, in particular, many interesting, in-depth conversations about Mom’s parents, her grandparents, and all who made an impression on her throughout her life.

— Pat remembers, fondly, a time together with Kathryn, shortly after moving to Wichita in the summer of 1999, of taking great pains in hanging a stuffed Canadian goose over the basement stairwell, bringing large smiles to family faces still today.

— Mom enjoyed being with all of her grandchildren, and one day in the early 2000s, embarked upon a trip to Taos, New Mexico, with Dirk and his family, taking the very back seat of their very large Suburban – an event of remarkable consequence with rain storms and cuddly crowded spaces.

— Though never REALLY a ‘kid at heart,’ Mom tried her very best to appease the hearts of her grandchildren … as Kyle shared with us, “it was the Summer of ‘95, and I was 12 at the time, and in Wichita, visiting Grandma for the week, who asked, one day, what I would like to do … “Half-jokingly, I replied, do you wanna go see Die Hard 3?” She paused, looked at me, and shrugged, ‘Sure. Just find the time.’” LONG STORY short … “Die Hard 3 wasn't just an action movie, Kyle told us, it was our bond, our quiet little adventure, and the beginning of a deeper relationship … Thanks, Grandma. You were always tougher than Bruce Willis anyway.”

—- Visiting Grandma Kathryn was memorable for Emily as well … “I was only 7 when I traveled from Champaign, IL, where we lived at the time, to visit Grandma Kathryn for the very first time in Wichita by myself,” she told us … “GK ( yes, short for Grandma Kathryn ) drove a BIG green minivan at the time, and she called all the other cars on the road, ‘dinosaurs,’ I guess because they were OLDER than hers … anyway, I remember, during my visit, that I got to wear Grandma’s glasses and play ‘chemist’ while typing on her laptop …so much fun!” … “GK also gave me my very first baby doll on that trip to Wichita, complete with its own wooden crib, which I still have today. Most fondly, years later, when I graduated from College and accepted my first teaching job here in Wichita, I remember talking with Grandma Kathryn about that trip. We in fact spent many hours together in conversation that year about so many things as I was fortunate enough to live with GK during my tenureship. She will be missed!”

— “Someone in my first-grade class stole my reading spot,” Allison recalled for us, “so I channeled my ‘icy eye’ ( GK was FAMOUS for the ‘icy eye’ on those occasions that called for her putting others ‘in their place’ with just her LOOK) “and just sat down on this someone. I was, of course, reprimanded by the teacher, who then apprised my parents of what I had done. When GK learned of my response to my reading spot having been stolen, her response was, to my great satisfaction and relief, very simply, “GOOD FOR HER!” And, this advocacy for me, as it was for all of GK’s children and grandchildren continued well into my adult life – she literally devoted hours to private Chemistry tutoring through my college years.

— Grandma Kathryn was in fact all about a solid education in life … for life – as Kim recalls, “Cole was seriously contemplating college choices and had signed up as a golfer for a Christian university in Portland, OR. One evening in the early spring, he stomped up the stairs and told me and Dirk that Grandma just told me that I can’t seriously be thinking of going to that “podunk” school in Oregon when he was given an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy or West Point or USAFA. He was so mad. But he was so grateful the day of his commencement from USNA. That day he told me that he was so grateful that she told him what she thought. He would not be where he is today without her guidance”

— Clare remembers that time in her brother Cole's life as well … as she recounts, “ I unknowingly let it slip that Cole had decided to attend school in Portland. Grandma was visibly livid, and without hesitation expressed her disdain that Cole was not receiving guidance that he would appreciate later in life, asserting that she knew what was best. With that, she stormed over to the phone and gave Cole a reckoning that ultimately changed the course of his life. Although her anger was not directed at me, I sure feared for my life that evening.” YIKES!

— And, for Cole, personally … Yes, “Grandma K was brilliant. She was someone who could talk to anyone about anything, and she did it with both grace and depth. Her mind was sharp, her wit even sharper, and her passion for learning never faded.” But Grandma Kathryn had a softer side, too, something ALL of us recognized, to include Cole, who mentioned having a cup of coffee with Grandma K when she came to visit his family in Leewood one summer, and the follow up trip, while there, for a frozen yogurt with his sister … Mom and Dad probably don’t remember this … “I don’t think we ever told my parents,” Cole recalled for us, but it was on this trip for frozen yogurt, that “we ended up getting mochas instead,” and while “I didn’t enjoy the taste much back then — I was only 6 or 7 at the time — that day has become a cherished memory.”

Kathryn was characterized by her fierce independence, methodical organization, and a perpetual thirst for knowledge. Even in her later years, she maintained a sharp mind and embraced new adventures, including her late-in-life pursuit of stock trading. Her many interests and hobbies, including genealogical research, gardening, and collecting butterflies (on one occasion), reflected her vibrant spirit.

Kathryn is survived by her sons Kevin Dittemore, Carl Dittemore, and Dirk Dittemore; daughters-in-law Mary Patricia (Ukena) Dittemore and Kimberlyn (Jew) Dittemore; grandchildren Kyle Dittemore, Emily (Dittemore) Tortorelli, Allison (Dittemore) Cerutti, Clare Dittemore, and Cole Dittemore; grandchildren-in-law Joseph Tortorelli, Ryan Cerutti, and Leah (DelRosario) Dittemore; and great-grandchildren Luke, Leonardo, Lucia Tortorelli, William, Johnny Cerutti. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Cathy Boyle and stepsons Bruce Boyle and Patrick Boyle, along with her nephews, Ward Stutz and Brad Stutz.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, Fenn Ward and Sadie (Brown) Ward; her first husband, Harold Eugene Dittemore; her second husband, Hugh Halsey Boyle; sister Beulah (Ward) Stutz; brother-in-law Gerald Stutz; and niece Kathy (Stutz) Rice.

A private family service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Dr. Kathryn Boyle Scholarship Fund c/o Friends University Chemistry Department, 2100 W. University Ave, Wichita, KS 67213 and Dr. Kathryn Boyle Scholarship Fund c/o Highland Community College Chemistry Department, 606 W. Main, Highland, KS 66035.

The legacy of Kathryn Boyle is built on her unwavering love for family, commitment to education, and the enduring relationships she nurtured throughout her remarkable life. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.