Memorials › Kathleen Theresa Gilliam Diederich
10 Aug 1928 – 1 Feb 2020
| Birth | 10 Aug 1928 |
| Death | 1 Feb 2020 |
| Cemetery | All Saints Catholic Cemetery Salina , Saline County , Kansas , USA |
| Added by | D. Lilly on 25 Feb 2020 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206816204 |
Kathleen Theresa (née Gilliam) Diederich, of Salina, Kansas, died Saturday, February 1, 2020. She was born August 10, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Margaret Gilliam. Her family returned to the farm near Greenleaf, KS, where Kathleen attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Greenleaf High School at the end of World War II when teachers were scarce. She attended Kansas State College and earned an emergency teaching certificate. After teaching in a rural one-room school for two years, she finished her degree at Marymount College, Salina, KS. After graduation, she taught at Hanover High school, Hanover, KS. She enjoyed every moment of teaching and kept in touch with many of her former students. Many of her students credit her with inspiring them to further their education by attending college. While in high school, Kathleen met Don P. Diederich. Don and Kathleen were married at Sacred Heart Church in Greenleaf, KS on September 3, 1956. Don accepted a position as an accountant with Kennedy and Coe, Salina, KS. Together they raised six children. Kathleen was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren and was their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Geraldine; Mary; and her husband, Don, in 2011. Survivors include her six children, Dan (Gerilyn) Diederich; Gene (Kim) Diederich; Mary (Jeff) Thompson; Jim (Becca) Diederich; Deanna (Mike) Carmody; John (Tracy) Diederich; 18 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and her brother, Timothy. Visitation, Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church Capital Campaign or the Stiefel Theatre. Arrangements by Ryan Mortuary, Salina KS.
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
This person only · Entire connected family