Kathleen Spargur
On the morning of Wednesday, December 6, 2023, our dear mother Kathleen Spargur ascended to heaven, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Like a true Irish Catholic (from Westport, County of Mayo, in western Ireland), Kathleen Boyt was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa to Joseph Walter and Helen (Nellie) Boyt (nee O’Malley). Her father founded the family business The Walter Boyt Saddlery Company in 1901, which later became The Boyt Harness Company, producing supplies for the Great War in Europe (including the nylon webbing which prevented naval aircraft from landing long on carrier decks), and harnesses, saddles, bridles and tack for farmers and stockmen across the Midwest.
Kathleen’s most beloved characteristic was her ever-present kindness, which at times brought new guests visiting our family household to tears. She also had a deep, humble, unshakable Catholic faith. Every one of Kathleen’s vast network of family and friends knew her compassionate heart, which was always in the right place. She was the first to offer caring support or send one of her legendary cards. She said she received her strength from the church and prayer. She was always sought out when her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren had a struggle, and somehow always had time to give guidance.
Kathleen was the baby of her family. She said her hobbies were riding (and falling off of) her horse Cortes, eating, reading, and letting her brothers Jim and Bob think they were brighter than her. Her favorite childhood memories included staying with her Aunt Mary and Aunt Katie (the ‘spinsters’) on their farm in Perry Iowa, hanging out with cousin Christy and friend Shirley, playing Capture the Flag & chasing lightning bugs.
Kathleen attended Barry College (for Women, at that time) in Miami before graduating Drake University in Des Moines with a bachelor’s degree in French. Kathleen met Bill, the love of her life, on a blind date. By the end of the date, they knew they would marry, and, while her dream of becoming a missionary was quickly back-burnered, she instilled in each of her children the strength of her steadfast faith and works.
Kathleen and Bill were married June 24, 1950. Little William (Billy) came along shortly thereafter, and life for a time became all-things-Purdue as Bill completed his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautic and Astronautic Engineering, and started raising their family. They would regularly fly from Des Moines to Purdue home games, with dad as the pilot and mom the co-pilot.
Bill and Kathleen moved from Des Moines to the mountains of Boulder, Colorado in 1962, and moved to Santa Barbara in 1969.
In addition to raising her ten children, Kathleen was a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Community, which became her most beloved community, and the source of many of her dearest friends over the next 55 years. Kathleen also became involved with eucharistic ministry, distributing communion to Cottage Hospital and homebound parishioners. For years, she volunteered as a librarian for Mt. Carmel School while her children were attending school there. She also enjoyed tap dancing (her family reveled in going to her dance performances at the Lobero Theater) and participating in the Dr. Arthur Lynip Literary Group book club, which is a book club focused on literature of the imagination that convey spiritual dimensions.
Kathleen is survived by children Suzanne, Janet (Jeffry), Martin, David (Meike), Stephen (Gretchen), Anne (Robert), Michael (Emryss), Celia and Patrick (Lara). She is also survived by Suzanne’s daughter Kimberly, Janet’s children Victoria (Joshua) and Donal, Stephen’s son Jackson, Anne’s children Addie (Max) and Logan (Lupe), Celia’s daughter Rachelle and Patrick’s children Gabriella and Cosette. Great grandchildren include Kimberly’s daughter Corielle, Rachelle’s children Aiden and Marcus Junior (MJ), Logan and Lupe’s daughter Catalina and Addie & Max’s son Archie.
She is survived by her brother Robert’s family and her brother James’ family, and many cousins.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill, her beloved son Billy, and two brothers Robert and James.
Finally, as Kathleen was fond of often mentioning under her breath, to say nothing of the dogs.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Assisted Home Health and Hospice for their extraordinary care throughout this year, and especially for making it possible for Kathleen to spend her final days as she wished, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.
A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held January 6th, 2024, at 1:00 at the chapel of St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, 93105, with a reception following at the same location.