Kathleen L. Ditlinger

Kathleen L. Ditlinger, 83, of Carmel, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born the fourth of twelve children in Batesville, IN, to the late Lawrence G. and Loretta G. Niese. Kathleen was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in Oldenburg and a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel.

Kathleen was married to her devoted husband, Tom for 65 years, with whom she shared a lifetime of happiness and laughter. She found great joy in spending time with her large and loving family throughout her life. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, each of whom shared a special bond with her. 

Kathleen was an avid gardener, an accomplished artist, and a gifted painter, with horses and wildlife often the subjects of her artwork. A true creative spirit, she was also a talented home designer who could make, sew, or build anything she needed. Kathleen enjoyed baking, entertaining, and hosting many memorable holiday meals, as well as euchre and bridge parties.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Tom. She was a loving mother to Mark (Brenda), Greg (Cindy), and Pam (Curt) Walquist, and a cherished "Grandma Katsy" to her grandchildren: Sarah (Spencer) Ditlinger-Mapes, Laura (Jacob) Ditlinger, Ben Ditlinger, Anna Ditlinger, Alexa Walquist, Evelyn Walquist, and Noelle Walquist. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Lavender and Silas. Kathleen was a dear sister to her siblings: Ginny Schmeltz, Russ, Alvin, Harold, John and Ray Niese, and Charlene Hountz. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Kathleen will be welcomed home by her son, Brian Ditlinger and siblings, Rita Kinker, Lavina Gutzwiller, Ken and Andy Niese. 

 A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 10 at 10:30 am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, where family and friends are invited to gather from 9:30 until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery and everyone is invited to a luncheon at St. Elizabeth Seton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Cancer Treatment 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/childhood-cancer).