Catherine M. Boyda

Catherine M. Boyda, 94 of Topeka, formerly of Marysville, KS, died March 26, 2013 at Topeka. A rosary service was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 31 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, Marysville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 1, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Dolores Bruna was the organist. Music included “Here I Am Lord”, “Open My Eyes”, “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, “You Are Mine”, “Song of Farewell” and “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus.” The honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren, Steve C. Boyda, Brian Boyda, Robert Boyda, Matthew Boyda, Tom J. Boyda, Dennis Doelle, Andre Boyda, Jennifer Boyda, Christy (Boyda) Kruskie, Donna (Boyda) Koeppen, Pam (Boyda) Hottenstein, Jamie Boyda, Amy Boyda and Renee Boyda. Burial was in St. Gregory's Catholic Cemetery. Catherine was born on a Marshall County farm on July 22, 1918. Catherine’s parents were William and Helena Smith. In 1942 she married Steve Boyda and following WWII and Steve’s Army discharge they commenced farming in Marshall County. Shortly before her husband’s death in 1961, Catherine and Steve were among the first recipients of the Banker’s Soil Conservation Award. Catherine continued farming after her husband’s death with the five children for a few years, then moved to Michigan where for 27 years where she worked for General Motors. Catherine enjoyed her retirement and lived primarily with her children for the past 15 years. Catherine enjoyed homemaking and parenting. She crocheted many lap blankets and baby garments. Catherine was an inspiration for her family in setting goals one can accomplish with perseverance, hard work and love. Survivors include her five children: Steve Boyda, Robert Boyda, Barbara Doelle, Linda Boyda and Thomas Boyda; brother, Francis Smith; 14 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Boyda. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to either: (1) The Sunrise Foundation (A school for poor children in Nicaragua) or (2) to the Altar’s Society, St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Marysville, KS. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine M. Boyda, please visit our flower store.