Kathryn Jean Ridley Boynton

Kathryn Jean Ridley Boynton, (75), of Burke, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 22, 2023. She is reunited in heaven with her husband, Dale, who passed several months prior. Kathy is remembered for her kind heart, wisdom, strength of spirit, dedicated Christian faith and service to others. She was a wonderful wife and mother. Kathy was born to John Vincent Ridley Jr. and Elizabeth Mildred Ridley on May 31, 1948, in Dallas, Texas. Kathy attended Sunset High School. She was known to be a good friend and inscriptions in her yearbook call her ‘the most sincere and honest person’, ‘a sweet girl’ and ‘deserving of all the happiness’. Kathy found her happiness when meeting the love of her life, Dale Boynton, in Algebra class. They were married for 55 years and shared a fierce love for each other. In 1966, Kathy graduated from high school, while Dale was serving in Vietnam, and the couple were wed on June 1, 1968. Kathy attended classes at University of Texas. The first few years of married life were spent on campus where their first daughter was born. They moved to San Antonio, where the second and third daughter was born. They eventually moved to the Dallas area, where the fourth child, a son was born. Later, the couple moved to Burke, Virginia to raise their children. Kathy worked at JCPenney’s in Springfield Mall in customer service, the gift-wrapping station and in the cash room. She actively supported the Lions Club and later became a member. She served others and generously sponsored underprivileged families at Christmas. She could be seen making long shopping lists for donations, tailoring custom gifts to each kid and lovingly wrapping each one. Kathy had a true artistic and creative spirit. She loved to attend arts and crafts shows, collected Beanie Babies, practiced calligraphy, decorated the house for the season and even decorated the lunch bags of her kids. Kathy loved music and had a robust record collection to which she would let the kids dance in the living room. In her spiritual journey, Kathy spent time in prayer, bible study, fellowship and led others to Christ. She was a faithful Christian and worshipped at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield. Kathy served as a Stephen Ministry Leader to provide care to others experiencing difficult times. She trained other congregation members how to bring Christ’s love and care to people in their time of need. By her example, she taught her daughters and son to have faith, compassion, and kindness. Kathy is survived by her daughters, Tracy, Melissa (Steve), Amy (Brandon); her son, Dillon (Victoria); grandchildren, John, Mackenzie, Emma, Daniel, Evan, Achilles, and Lukas. She is also survived by her brother David Ridley (Kandy), nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Kathy and Dale Boynton at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on October 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Flowers, cards and donations to the church in their names may be sent to Prince of Peace Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Rd. Springfield, VA 22152. For anyone in need of a flower shop recommendation: https://flowersnferns.com/

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Kathryn Jean Ridley Boynton

September 22, 2023