Kathleen Dickens

Kathleen Dickens, 102, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on June 2, 2026 at Otterbein Assisted Living in Lebanon, OH.

Katie, as she was known, was born on October 20, 1923 in Middletown, OH to John and Mary (Brown) Underwood. Her life was a testament to love, strength and faith. Katie Attended elementary school in Blue Ball and high school in Monroe, graduating in 1941. She married Newell Newkirk the same year. While her husband served in the military, she worked for a period of time at Armco supporting the war effort from home. She and Newell raised their family of 5 Children in Franklin, OH. Around 1970, she began working at Thirkield's Department Store in Franklin where she enjoyed meeting and serving members of the community. She attended the Assembly of Jesus Christ for many years and later attended franklin Faith Tabernacle.

Newell died in 1984, just 11 months after the heartbreaking loss of their 18 year old son, Todd. Several years later, Charles Dickens, from Texas, a relative by marriage came to Ohio to visit his family. He visited Katie and what began as a friendship, blossomed into a courtship and they were married in 1988. She and Charles moved to his home on Lake Buchanan in Texas where they enjoyed 12 happy years together. Her family enjoyed many vacations there, boating, skiing, playing cards, playing Scrabble, eating her delicious home-cooked food and many gallons of Blue Bell ice cream.

After Charles died in 2000, Katie moved back to Ohio and shared a home with her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Ronnie. For twenty years she enjoyed many holiday parties and birthday celebrations while watching her family grow. She was surrounded by love.

In 2021, she moved to Otterbein Assisted Living where she formed friendships and participated in activities, including a trip to Miami Valley Gaming where she came home a winner.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Wesley) Bryant, Mark Newkirk and Sue (Ron) Philpot; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Newkirk; grandchildren, Greg Bryant, Jeff (Nikki) Bryant, Brian (Myrtle) Newkirk, Sara Philpot (Adam) Snow, Aimee Newkirk McNeal, Nathan Philpot, Samantha Newkirk and Scott Trett; 19 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Newell Newkirk and Charles Dickens; her sons, Todd and Mike Newkirk; her grandson, Shawn Crase; all of her siblings, Bernice Engle, Jack Underwood, Gene Underwood, Harold Underwood, Margie Smith and Patty Collins.

Services will be held at Spaulding Funeral Home & Crematory, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.) Middletown, OH, with Pastor Sam VanHoose officiating. Visitation will be Monday, June 15, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Funeral will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum .

Please sign the guestbook at SpauldingFuneralHome.com