Obituary of Kathlyn A. Bolken

Kathlyn A “Kathy” Bolken, age 82 of Iowa City died at her home Thursday, January 13, 2005, surrounded by much love. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, 2005, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 1 to 4pm Sunday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Graveside services will be held at 3pm Monday at the Connor Cemetery near Sigourney, Iowa. A memorial fund has been established in Kathlyn’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for Kathlyn’s family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Kathlyn Alicia Williams was born December 21, 1922, in Rochester, Kent, England, the daughter of Arthur W. and Alice E. (Borman) Williams. She was raised on the southeast coast of England and in 1943, at a Red Cross Dance met a US Air Force serviceman stationed near her hometown during WWII. Their courtship was amidst the bombings and blackouts of the English countryside. In 1944, they married and she came to the United States on the ship, the Queen Mary as a young war bride. Ten years later as a single mom, she courageously and devotedly raised her three daughters, often holding two jobs at a time, but always striving to provide a good life for them. She had resided in Sigourney, Iowa Falls and Denison, Iowa before moving to Iowa City. Here she was employed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the Cardiovascular Department for over 18 years. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City, member of a small group for seniors at Parkview Evangelical Church, enjoyed volunteering at the University Hospitals, Mercy Hospital and the Iowa City Senior Center. But most of all, her family was the light of her life. Her seven grandchildren all have received beautiful hand-knit baby blankets, Christmas Stockings and sweaters of all colors over the years. She made special birthday cakes and never forgot to send the holiday cards with dollars tucked in them. Whenever they were going to go stay with Granny, they knew it would be great fun. Her family includes her daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Gary Johnson of Rock Island, Il, Pam and Jim McCracken of Creston, IA, and Patti and Ted Gay of North Richland Hills, TX; seven grandchildren, Holly Michael, Patrick McCracken, Kelly McCracken, Mary McCracken, Victoria Gay, Diana Gay, and William Gay; three great-grandchildren, Ashley Michael, Hanna Michael and Jaiden Fedee; her brother and his wife, Arthur F. Saxton-Williams and Dorothy of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marguerite “May” Platt.