Kathleen Ann Boatwright's Obituary
Kathleen Ann Boatwright
07/11/1949 - 12/31/2025
Kathleen Ann Boatwright, 76, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on December 31, 2025. She was born on July 11, 1949, in Redfield, South Dakota. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she lived in Kansas, California, Guam, and Arizona before eventually settling in Tulsa, the place she would call home for most of her life. She married Robert Seba Boatwright on February 12, 1966, and although they later divorced in 1977, the years they shared brought family, memories, and stories that lasted a lifetime.
Kathleen was known for her remarkable work ethic, spending 33 years as an independent contractor for the Tulsa World, where she delivered up to 1,800 newspapers on any given Sunday morning. Her paper routes became a family affair, filled with unforgettable moments. Sherry remembers coming home on Saturday nights to find Kathy folding papers in the driveway with the girls. April recalls that riding along with “Meme” sometimes made her nauseous because “she whipped those corners on two wheels.” Lesli remembers collecting payments and rainy Sunday mornings, saying, “She had a left arm on her for sure.” Amanda fondly recalls morning hot chocolate and donuts, helping with the routes, and sitting in the back of the van “with no seats… or seat belts.” Krista remembers pretending to surf as the van rolled down the road, and Misty recalls throwing papers from the back of the truck, sitting on a mountain of newspapers, and praying the wind wouldn’t catch them and send them flying everywhere. These memories became part of the family’s shared story — a testament to the unique, lively, and loving environment Kathleen created.
In addition to her newspaper career, she worked for Mervyn’s for 14 years before fully retiring in 2008. Outside of work, Kathleen loved traveling to South Dakota, summer fishing trips, crocheting, cross-stitching, tending to her flower beds, cheering for OU football, and enjoying any morning she could sleep in. Above all, she cherished her family — her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and every gathering that brought them together.
Kathleen is survived by her daughters Brenda Carver and Sheryl Kilby and son‑in‑law William Kilby; her grandchildren Jessica, April, Amanda, Mikka, Krista, Kathleen, Lisa, Kyle, and Skyler; and her 23 great‑grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Charlene Berry and husband Roland, Christy Beeson, Mark Benton and wife Diane, and Ron Benton and wife Marcia.
She was preceded in death by her father Gerald Benton, mother Deloris Klensucer, brothers Randy Benton and Brad Benton, daughter Jeanny Smith, great‑grandson Landon Smith, and great‑granddaughter Layla Smith.
Kathleen’s life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories she created and the generations of loved ones who will forever carry her in their hearts.
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