Kay Dieterich

Kay Dieterich

Brooklyn

Kay Dieterich, born January 31, 1946 in Grinnell, Iowa, passed peacefully August 2, 2025.

Kay lived with quiet simplicity, her days filled with kindness and laughter. She was the daughter of Pearl Lucille Jewell Doty and Glenn Ross Doty. Raised on a farm north of Brooklyn, Iowa, she graduated from BGM School in 1964 before attending Paris Beauty Academy.

She married Craig Dieterich in 1965, living south of Brooklyn, Iowa, and together they welcomed three daughters—Jodi, Kimberly, and Tammi. After their separation, Kay embraced single motherhood with courage and grace, raising her daughters with unwavering love and determination.

Professionally, she dedicated 41 years to BGM Community School District, supporting five superintendents and leaving a legacy of loyalty and kindness within the school community.

Kay’s cheerfulness and warmth were felt by everyone who spent time with her. Some of the simple pleasures she enjoyed were baking, mowing her lawn, and dining out with those she loved. She cherished many quiet sunsets from the comfort of her deck and looked forward to time spent with family at Lake Tenkiller, as well as annual "Leaf Trips" with her sisters.

Kay’s story is one of enduring love, personal strength, and joyful living. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Glenn Doty; siblings, Daryl Doty, Dale Doty, Gladys Palmer, Joan Foster, Vivian King, and Ross Doty. She is survived by siblings, Marvin Doty (Grinnell, Iowa) Lucy King (Warr Acres, Oklahoma); daughters, Jodi Fye (Tiffin, Iowa), Kimberly Kochel, (Des Moines, Iowa), Tammi Grimm (Neil), (Atkins, Iowa); grandchildren, Haley Keller (Austin), Autumn Fye, Gabrielle Fye, Bryton Grimm, Bennett Grimm; great-grandchild, Malachi Keller.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, Iowa, with a luncheon to follow also at the Church. Family will greet friends at a visitation from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, August 8, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home, Brooklyn, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to BrightFocus Foundation (macular degeneration research). Cards may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 382, Brooklyn, IA 52211.