Biography: Kathyrn Dietz Osborne (Kathie) passed away February 24, 2023 surrounded by family and a host of friends. Kathie was born in Little Rock, AR November 18, 1952 and spent practically all of her life here. She was predeceased by her parents E. Kearney and Floy Jean Dietz. Kathie was a 1970 graduate of Hall High School where in her words “she finally made cheerleader” in her senior year.
Kathie attended Hendrix College and graduated from UA Litte Rock with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Criminology, at age 60. While working at the Leather Bottle in Little Rock, Kathie met the love of her life Fred Osborne. They were married in 1973 and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this August. They had three of the most wonderful and allegedly practically perfect children. Jason Dietz Osborne (Jenny) of Nashville, TN, Kathryn Virginia Bracy (John) of Little Rock, AR, Derek Jackson Osborne (Brenyn) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, son-of-her heart Clay Swindle of Indianapolis, IN, brother Dee Dietz (Susan) of Little Rock, AR, and brother and sister-in-law Andy and Karen Osborne. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Avery Agar, Gentry Agar, Ridge Agar, Carson Bracy, Glancy Piper-Osborne, and Lanie Piper-Osborne. She was a loving and devoted grandmother and was so excited to meet her youngest grandchild, Maddox Jackson Osborne who will be born in April. Kathie was loved by all, including her nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Her love of Yorkies, while annoying to the rest of her family, made her extremely happy and she enjoyed the company of Lord Bently of Jackson for the past two years.
Active in the community, as a member of the Junior League of Little Rock she served on the Riverfest committee, which was her favorite placement. Kathie was a member of the 20th Century Club and was proud to co-chair the Hope Ball. She was also a Friend of the Rep and a member of the Barre. She was a fixture at Junior Deputy as her youngest son and grandson spent several seasons playing baseball. For over 30 years, Kathie was a group chaperone of the Miss Arkansas Pageant where she made life-long friends and had an impact on countless young women.
Kathie was a life-long member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 3:00 pm. A celebration will follow at the clubhouse of Cambridge Place. The family would love everyone to wear Razorback red as a tribute to Kathie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Kearney and Floy Jean Dietz Children’s Endowment of PHUMC, Miriam’s Promise: Pregnancy, Parenting, Adoption Services, and SerenityStar Recovery Ranch. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
We were friends through high school and PHUMC.
I have always admired and respected her and her faith and devotion.