Kathryn Byington

Kathryn “Kay” Ann (Foster) Byington, age 79, of Bonne Terre passed away Friday, December 30, 2022, at The Baptist Home in Ironton, MO. She was born February 25, 1943 in Cairo, IL to Dr. Jack Lee and Charlotte Marie (Rock) Foster.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Foster.

Kay attended Ursuline Academy for girls in Arcadia, MO until her teenage years when she transferred to Desloge High School. While there, she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Dickie Byington. While her children were young, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Cantwell Baptist Church in Desloge. Kay was a member of the Red Hat Society. She loved shopping, antiquing, traveling and jewelry making.

Kay worked as a psychiatric aide at Farmington State Hospital for several years before transferring to the prison as a correctional aide, when it was built. After her children were raised, she and Dick became foster parents and opened their home as respite care providers for 20+ years.   

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick” J. Byington of Bonne Terre; children, Richard A. (Lori) Byington of McPherson, KS, Roberta “Robyn” (John) Harris of Bonne Terre, Ron Byington (Anthony Thompson) of St. Louis, MO and Michael Marvaso (John Flack) of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Alyssa (Clayton) Kaimann, Ryan Byington, Andrew (Kirsten) Harris, Emily (Phillip) Wills, Eli Byington and fiancé Nicole Allen; great-grandchildren, Everly and Judson; brother, Jack Foster of Fort Myers, FL; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Kay’s final arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre. There will be no visitation or graveside service per her final request. She desired everyone to remember her as she was. Memorial donations may be made to The Baptist Home in Ironton, MO or Kindred Hospice in Farmington, MO.