Kathryn Lynette Reule was born on April 19, 1930 at Jones Hospital in Hillsboro, Oregon to parents Reverend George and Florence Sahnow Reule. Her brother Ronald and sister Elizabeth (Mimi) completed the family. At an early age, Kathy showed a remarkable musical talent and began playing the violin and singing solos at church during weddings and funerals. She graduated from Hillsboro High before attending Pacific Lutheran College (PLU), where she met her future husband, Jason Boe in choir class. After graduating with a degree in music education, she married Jason on June 1, 1952. They made their home in Hillsboro where Jason commuted to Pacific University in Forest Grove to complete his doctorate in optometry. While in Hillsboro, their first two sons, Eric and Peter were born. Shortly after Jason graduated in 1956, the young family moved to Reedsport, Oregon so Jason could begin his optometric practice. Two years later, another son, Brian, joined the family. Kathy stayed home to raise the boys, while teaching private piano lessons and working as a substitute teacher.
Throughout her life, Kathy’s Lutheran faith was extremely important to her and her life in Reedsport exemplified that. At Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, she led the choir and sang solos. Additionally, Kathy taught Sunday School, organized Vacation Bible School, and acted as hostess for many church celebrations. During her years in Reedsport, Kathy participated in the Oregon Bach Festival. The highlight of her career was in 1979 when Maestro Helmuth Rilling of the Bach Colleguim Stuttgart, Germany invited Kathy to travel to Israel with the Frankfurter Kantori. The occasion marked the first time a German Choral group performed in Israel.
With Kathy’s support, Jason entered politics serving as a Reedsport City Councilman, State Representative, State Senator, and Senate President. Kathy embraced political life and gained a reputation as a charming hostess and an excellent cook. Although never elected to office, Kathy shared in her husband’s public service by working as Jason’s administrative assistant and as Chair for the Oregon Public Broadcasting Commission. The family continued to reside in both Reedsport and Salem until Jason’s retirement from politics in 1980 when they moved to Portland.
In Portland, Kathy first worked with Jason in his international consulting business and later worked for Portland State University and the Oregon Historical Society. In addition to her jobs, Kathy continued her involvement in public service on the Oregon State Capitol Foundation Board. As a member of Portland’s Zion Lutheran Church, Kathy served on many boards, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school.
After Jason’s death in 1990, Kathy became reacquainted with Congressman Robert (Bob) Duncan and the two wed in 1995, making their home in Yachats and Portland. When she married Bob, Kathy gained seven stepchildren who embraced her into the Duncan Clan. They referred to her as their “darling stepmother” and appreciated the joy and enthusiasm she brought to their family. When Bob developed Alzheimer’s, Kathy devotedly and patiently cared for him until Bob passed in 2011.
In recent years, Kathy developed dementia, but retained her vivacious personality up until her death. Those around her often complimented her outgoing nature and her ability to provide friendship to everyone. If there was an activity, Kathy was enthusiastically involved. Even with dementia, Kathy retained her ability to socialize and enjoy the company of others.
Kathy is survived by her siblings Dr. G. Ronald Reule (Carol Reule) and Elizabeth Schweinler (David Schweinler). She is also survived by her three sons Eric Boe (Janet Boe), Peter Boe, and Brian Boe (Arlene Boe) and three grandchildren Madeline Dougherty (Jed Dougherty), Jared Boe, and Jason Boe. In addition, she is survived by her stepchildren Nancy Guri Duncan (Francois le Diascorn), Angus Duncan (Kim Fossett Duncan), David Duncan (Jill Carrier), Jamie Duncan (Teri Duncan), Laurie Duncan (John-David Epperly), Bonnie Tucker (Skip Tucker), and Jeanne Duncan as well as her step-grandchildren Colin Duncan, Cameron Duncan, Madeleine Tucker, Sam Duncan, Sarah Duncan (Paco Lara), Alex Epperly, Daniel Epperly, Carrie Smith, and Alex Ray (Dorothy Ray).
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and her grandson, Philip Boe.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at Mirabella for their wonderful caring support of Kathy during the last few years.
A graveside service will be held at the Scottsburg Cemetery. Due to COVID, masks and social distancing will be required. When circumstances allow, a memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Portland.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Kathy’s name to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2160 Elm Avenue, Reedsport, Oregon 97467 or Zion Lutheran Church, 1015 SW 18th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205.
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