Mary Kathryn Deitrich

Wetmore

Mary Kathryn (nee Best) Deitrich, age 88, of Wetmore and previously of Burkeville, VA died Sunday, December 1, 2024 at her home under the loving care of her family and North Woods Home Hospice. She was born in Seville Township in Michigan to the late Leroy and Frances (Hoffman) Best. Kathryn grew up in St. Louis and graduated from St. Louis High School where she helped create the St. Louis Sharks mascot. A few years after school while at work, Kathryn’s childhood friend was home from work and stopped in to ask her on a date. That night Frank Deitrich asked Kathryn to marry him. They were married on May 9, 1959 and together they raised their four children. Frank worked for United Airlines and his job moved the family from Michigan to Florida to Virgina. At the end of his career, Kathryn and Frank made Burkeville, Virgina their home for many years. She was a wonderful homemaker and amazing mother. Kathryn later worked at the Airlie Foundation as a late-night switchboard operator. She loved her children immensely and was fiercely protective of them. Kathryn was happiest when she was with her family celebrating the holidays or just being together to play cards. Kathryn moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 2020 with her daughter Kaye and enjoyed her sightings of deer, bear, and a wolf deep in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. She was a member of the Burkeville Baptist Church in Virgina and the Hiawatha Country Church.

 Mary Kathryn is survived by her four children – Kaye DeMarr of Wetmore, MI, Gary (Patricia) Deitrich of Marshall, VA, Donald (Anne Marie) Deitrich of Shingleton, MI, and Alan (Amy) Deitrich of Farmville, VA; grandchildren – Nathan, Joshua (Theresa), Gretchen, Liam, Donny (Chrissy), Erik, Bryce, Brennan, Austin, William, and Kate; great-grandchildren – Max, Wesley, Vincent, Luke, and Lucy; siblings Betty Webster and Joseph Best; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents – Leroy and Frances; husband – Frank Deitrich; son-in-law John DeMarr; siblings – Dorothy (John) Parson, Mary Lou (Bob) Kenney, Dan (Kathy) Best, and Billy Best; and brother-in-law – Bob Webster. 

 A memorial service will be at the Hiawatha Country Church 4740N M-94, Manistique, MI 49854 at a later date. Interment will be at the Burkeville Cemetery in Burkeville, VA at a later date.