Carolyn "Kay" M. (David) Dettle

Kay Dettle, 82, died Monday, May 12, 2025 unexpectedly at her Tryon Estates home in Columbus, NC. 

Kay was born January 10, 1943 in Pinehurst, NC to James and Carolyn David. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Psychology from William & Mary and her Masters in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T. She was an avid learner and lifelong educator having taught in numerous school systems. She also dedicated her time providing vocational training for individuals with Down syndrome and helped adults obtain their GED certifications. Post retirement, she and her husband, Joe, moved to Oklahoma for an active retirement raising cattle for part of the year and traveling the remainder, eventually settling in the foothills of North Carolina. 

Kay had a gift for creating and finding community and developed many lifelong friendships. She was an active volunteer throughout her life either through church, school, or various social sororities. She enjoyed reading and could often be found with a book in hand. She loved physical activities, learning to play pickleball, belly dance, line dance, and water volleyball. She enjoyed traveling both in the U.S. and overseas and especially enjoyed her Spanish immersion trips. 

Kay loved her family. She and Joe never hesitated to get in a car and travel across the country to visit siblings, kids, and grandkids. Kay and Joe shared 48 years together. Their steadfast love and abiding faith has served as a beautiful testament to their family. 

In addition to Joe, Kay leaves behind her children Cheryl McGowan (Jim), Brian McDonald (Marianne), Chris Dettle (Megan), John Dettle (Gina), Elizabeth Dettle, and Caroline Dettle; her sister, Cheryl Miller (Chris); her grandchildren: Morgan, Michael, Emma, Eliana, Lily, Violet, Cyrus, Maxx, Joseph, Darin, Sierra, and Caroline; and her niece, Christen. She was predeceased by her daughter Laura Dettle and granddaughter, Nicole. 

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon, NC. 

Sanders Funeral Home.

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