Kathleen Childress Dyblie Obituary (2025)

Kathleen Childress Dyblie, age 77, beloved mother, wife, grandmother and daughter passed away on February 21. 2025 She was dedicated educator with a lifelong passion for language and learning. She graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in 1969 with a degree in Music and German, then went on to earn a Master of Arts in English from the University of Washington in Seattle on August 21, 1970, specializing in Germanic Languages and Literature. In 1988, she furthered her education with a Master's in English and Education from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. A proud graduate of Eisenhower High School, she was an Honor Roll student in the Class of 1965. Throughout her career with the Yakima County School District Education Department, Kathleen taught ESL, English, German, and French at A.C. Davis High School, Franklin Middle School, and Eisenhower High School. She was knowledgeable in diverse languages, English, German, French, Spanish and Latin collaborating each of them while traveling to other countries together much needed translations. She retired in 2013 after many years of dedicated service at Eisenhower High School, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. Education was one of her many passions. Kathleen's students weren't just her pupils, they were her many children. Over two decades of teaching at various levels of educational enrichment, she never lost sight of her students' future and success. Many continued including her with their own life's achievements such as college graduation, marriages and other celebrations over the years. Music was a life source that brought her great joy. Sharing the love of music with family and friends brought her talent showcasing with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. Later joining Holy Family Catholic Church choir playing violin, viola, piano and vocals bringing a wide range of enjoyable aptitudes to their congregation. Kathleen's many interests included being a part of Yakima County Community. Being an avid member of DAR, Daughters of the American Republic, over 20 years, former Regent President Narcissa Whitman Chapter DAR. Donating her time through volunteer work with local Veterans and providing scholarships to many students. She loved performing music including writing a few compositions for Regional DAR Washington States Conferences. Kathleen was passionate about both music and arts communities creating lifelong interests belonging to memberships at Larson Gallery, Yakima Valley Museum, Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Washington State School Retires Association. Mary Kay was another aspect that Kathleen truly enjoyed, empowering women to find their inner beauty while finding friendships along the way. Kathleen moved to Germany in 1970 after graduating Willamette University with a major in German. This was one of her lifelong goals, moving to Germany becoming immersed with their culture. From her early life she had a passion for horses. While the first few years were met with their own challenges, Kathleen was successful taking teaching jobs with the U.S. Army installations in Heidelberg, teaching English to wives of the servicemen stationed and German to American Service Members in Germany. While living in Germany for over 20 years, she met and married her first husband in 1972, Bernard Ackermann. She had three children, Karin, David and Anne. She moved back to the United States in 1987 with three young children, as a single parent with the assistance with her parents. Kathleen went back to school at Central Washington University and graduated in 1988. After raising three children, they went off to be successful adults. Karin moved to North Bend, started a family and works within the travel industry. David setting off on a career with Lamb Westin food industry later transferring to Kemper in Tri-Cities. Anne joined the United States Navy, becoming Hospital Corpsmen for 10 1/2 years after graduating high school. She is traveling the world, pursing further education in the healthcare field, and currently lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs. John A. Dyblie and Kathleen were married June 3, 2000. They celebrated married life for over 24 years, traveling the world and making memories everywhere they went. Kathleen's favorite places to visit were Europe, including Germany, Norway and Greece. She also enjoyed two trips to South America and Antarctica. Exploring the diverse cultures, sights, and culinary delights. They met interesting people and places making lifelong friends along the way. Kathleen is survived by her husband, John, her children, Karin Scott, David Ackermann, Anne Lopez, her grandchildren, Alexander Scott, Jason, Thomas, Isabella Ackermann, her sisters, Karen Childress-Evans, Carolyn White and her brother, Craig Childress. A Memorial Mass will be held to honor Kathleen's life at Holy Family Catholic Church (5315 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA, 98908), on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:00 am. Immediately following, a luncheon will be held. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.