Kathryn B. Dierks

Kathryn Batliner Dierks joined many of her loved ones in heaven on September 10th, 2016. Born on September 2, 1922, in Kansas City, Missouri to Carl and Mayme (Shea) Batliner, the third of 4 children, Kathryn was a true and proud Kansas Citian, living here most of her 94 years. She attended Holy Cross Elementary School and St. Agnes Academy where she was Valedictorian and May Queen (an honor she was always proud of). She started college on a scholarship to the College of St. Teresa (now Avila) but two years later, after the tragic loss of her father, Kathryn enrolled in Anne Sarachon Hooley's School of Secretarial Training. Graduating with highest honors, she was hired to work for Miss Hooley in Washington DC for Catholic Charities and the USO during World War II. After the war, she returned to Kansas City and met the love of her life, John "Jack" Dierks. They were married on June 26th, 1948 and had 5 children. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Ann Church since 1951. She was an active member of Ladies of Charity of KC. Kathryn had a lifelong love of learning, which she imparted to her children by frequently saying "Go look it up!" Known for her generosity and spunk, she enjoyed playing bridge and golf, a good martini, gummy bears, watching sports, (mostly KU basketball and the Royals), and shopping but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She loved being a Grandma and never let that title make her feel old or change her competitive spirit. She hosted sleepovers, lunches at McDonalds and Panera, played card games (never "letting" anyone win, no matter who they were or their age). She especially loved watching her grandchildren play sports.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and her son, Daniel. She is survived by 2 daughters and 2 sons, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Janet Hutz (Jennifer Hutz and Michael Hutz), Mary Lynn Svoboda (husband Robert, Kristy Delaney, Tony, Brett, Zachary and Alex Svoboda) John Dierks (wife Kim, Blaise Dierks) and Matthew Dierks (wife Amy, Megan, Mary Kate, Allie, Jack, Maggie and Grace Dierks).

Her final years were spent being cared for by the loving staff in the memory care unit at Brookdale, Overland Park who provided care and attention to the lady they affectionately called "Kat Mama".

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 Wednesday, September 14th at St. Ann Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at the church. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Ladies of Charity of KC, (LOC of Metropolitan Kansas City, PO Box 480753, Kansas City, MO 64148-0753) or Lakemary Center, (100 Lakemary Drive, Paola, KS 66071), www.lakemaryctr.org. Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. Arrangements, McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 (816) 942-6180.