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Katherine Bolka Obituary

Katherine Patricia (Katie). On June 4th, 2006, 17-year-old Katherine Patricia Bolka succumbed to injuries sustained from a senseless automobile accident. This was a vibrant, beautiful young woman who embraced life with an open heart and mind, and thought and felt everything deeply. A burgeoning artist of considerable gifts, this was a distinctive voice of which we surely should have heard more. Katie was a Renaissance young woman in a contemporary world with a keen appreciation of poetry and music, from classical to alternative. This summer Katie looked forward to choosing a college, taking art classes and going on vacation with her family. But she most eagerly anticipated becoming a senior at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. She is survived by her father, Richard, mother, Johna, sister and best friend, Nina, grandparents, Maria, Kay, John and Ed, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. She made the world a better place for us all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Katherine Bolka Scholarship Fund for Academic and Visual Arts Excellence, Ursuline Academy, 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, June 7, from 6:00PM-9:00PM at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. The Celebration Mass of Christian burial will take place Thursday, June 8th, at 11:00 AM, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75225 with Monsignor Donald F Zimmerman and Father Jack Deeves SJ. presiding. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. SPARKMAN/HILLCREST 7405 W. NORTHWEST HWY. DALLAS, TEXAS 75225 214-363-5401

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Published by Oklahoman on Jun. 8, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Bolka

Sponsored by friends of the Bolka Family.

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Martha Brady

June 1, 2020

Katy was very special! She helped us every year with the business conclave for Neiman Marcus - making gift bags and just doing anything that her Mother and I needed. A Beautiful girl with incredible charisma.
The tragic death overwhelmed everyone that knew her and her wonderful Mother - Johna.
God Bless You.

martha brady

June 1, 2019

Katy was an incredible young woman! Her Mother Johna worked for the same company that I did and both of her daughters helped us with everything working with Neiman Marcus - she was so very special, hard working, kind and beautiful - Katy - please know how much you were loved by so many people and you will be remembered forever.

Charlotte Hudgin

May 29, 2016

Katie - I wonder who you would have become in the 10 years since the accident - I know you would have been a force to reckon with. Your creativity inspires me. Your kindness and the beauty of how you lived your life still touches my heart.

martha brady

July 9, 2015

Dear Katie -
Thank you so very much for all that you are and all that you did to help while your Mother and I ran around with Neiman Marcus. Your work, passion, and presence - so great!!
With all my Love

Martha Brady

Hailey Von Schlehenried

June 4, 2015

Katie, I could never forget you! You were always so funny and a beautiful person. The Ursuline memories could never be forgotten.

Jenny Sandlin

June 4, 2015

Remembering you today and always . Hard to imagine that it's been 9 years since your beautiful soul left us. Missing you. We will never forget.

May 19, 2015

I know it's been a long time and I never knew Katie well, but I just want to say that she has touched many more lives than people realize. I was a year behind her at CKS and Ursuline. Much love to family and friends, she is missed by so many people.

Jenny Sandlin

April 21, 2015

Happy Birthday dear Katie we Love you, miss you and will always remember the joy you brought to our lives.

Love always,

Jenny

Becky

April 5, 2015

Hi Katie,

I've been thinking about you a lot lately. A print of yours hangs on a wall in my home. It's the one of Kate R. sitting in a chair. I remember seeing the original in class and being blown away by your personal style. It felt fearless, confident and singular. At such an early age and at a stage in life where most young women are so unsure of themselves, you were already comfortable being Katie and you knew how to express this authenticity so that others, like me, could be inspired by it.

At 26, I'm just now discovering what my voice is and learning how to share it with the world in a way that feels honest and real, something you had successfully realized at 17.

It's strange how you can miss someone whom you barely knew. But I think that's a testament to your strong personality and passion for life that was clearly visible to anyone who met you. You were a life artist, Katie, and I wish you were here so we could be friends.

Gabrielle Dizon

April 21, 2014

Happy Birthday Katieroo,

I miss you so much and think of you everyday.

Love,
Gabrielle

Leah Danze

February 2, 2014

katie, i'm on my computer right now but there's no mario forever game being played...maybe it's better that way. love you and the family.

October 9, 2013

Bless you Katie. Bless your parents for working to save other innocent lives. May god keep you close and reconcile your broken hearts with tender love.

Katherine

August 2, 2013

I'm always thinking about you Katie. Everyday. I miss you so much.

December 17, 2012

Hi Rick & Johna, thinking about you guys tonight and these past few days.

Greg Schuck

Alicia Danze

May 3, 2011

Dear Katie,

Thinking of you often. I wish you could know that no matter where I go or how many years pass, you're with me always. You inspire me everyday to live my life to the fullest, laugh when I shouldn't, and cry it feels right. I love and miss you terribly. Send my love to your family.

Love,
Alicia

April 15, 2011

Katie,

I am graduating soon, and I just cannot stop thinking that you should be too. Its big events like these that really remind me how unfair life is.

Sometimes I think about all the things I should have told you and wish I still could. While they are many, one thought continually comes to mind: your friendship changed my life, simple as that.

Even though its almost been five years, I think about you all the time and always count you as one of the people who has made me who I am today, so thank you for that.

Love,

Rachel

April 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Katie!

I never got to tell you the impact you made on my life. I recently did a speech about Katie's Law. The other day I told you story at lacrosse practice. Even though I didn't understand your impact when everything happened, you have changed my life and so many others. I wish i could spend one more day with you. I often imagine what you would be doing today, but I try so hard to think "everything happens for a reason". I hope you know the impact you made and the many many lives you changed.

You will always be remembered. I love you so much.
Carolyn

Jenny Sandlin

April 21, 2010

Beloved Katie,
it's so difficult to accept that you are no longer
physically present with us. We miss your smile,
we miss your laughter and the bright sunshine that
your beautiful spirit radiated. You may be gone but for
those of us who truly loved you your presence in our lives
goes on. Happy 21st birthday Katie and may your light love and spirit always live on.
We love you,
Jenny, Don and Gina
444 forever

Marianne Sprizzo

May 21, 2009

Dear Katherine, Johnna, Ricky and nina.

Your cousins would have loved you and are very sad for the distance. We'll always be with you in our hearts and spirits . Marianne Sprizzo, Sarah James, Evelyn and Suzanne Esther

Tearra

April 23, 2009

I would like to wish Katie a happy belated 20th birthday!

Joe

April 21, 2009

Katie, you are always in my thoughts. i miss you, happy birthday.

January 23, 2009

Thinking of you Katie. God bless your soul.

Erin Dooley

December 22, 2008

Dear Bolka Family,

I thought it might give you some little comfort that I'm sure still not a day goes by that Katie does not touch someone's life. When I was going through my own rough patch I remembered what Nina had told me the day before surgery: "Katie's got your back." I drew strength from knowing Katie was up there, on my side. Although I did not get the pleasure of knowing her well, know that she continues to influence people even after she is gone. I will be forever thankful she has been a part of my life. She was a beautiful person.

Lovingly,
Erin

Sheela

October 4, 2008

Every day I pass through the Preston Royal intersection, and I always think of Katie. I never knew her, but I feel her presence every day. Thank you for your actions to protect others.

June 5, 2008

Please know that your family remains in our prayers and hearts.

Tearra

January 30, 2008

To the Bolka Family:

I never knew Katie personally but our lives intersected in 2006 and since that day I think of her nearly everyday. I think of the family she left behind and I wonder how everyone is fairing since her passing. I just pray for you all and for your continued strength and I hope and pray that as each day passes your lives get just a little easier and the days get just a little brighter. God bless you all to the fullest.

PS: Thank you for Katie’s website. I was very thankful that her family was gracious enough to give the world some insight into the person she was through her beautiful artwork and the kind words of her extended family and friends.

Rossi Walter

November 11, 2007

Katie.
I never knew you, but a year after your passing you still have not left this earth.
Lately, as Nina knows, I've been suffering internally from a lapse in my artwork. Today I googled your name and skimmed through everything that came up.

Something, then, overcame me, and I could feel your presence about me. I feel as if you are my patron saint of art, as now I'm working on a piece dedicated to both you and Nina.

I'm praying through you, Katie, for God to put in me something beautiful, and I'm consulting you, Katie, for every stroke I create.

Thank you for curing me, Katie.


"My turbulent skies are becoming still
as an angel whom I never knew descends
upon my hands..."

Kathy Kressler

September 1, 2007

I thank God for your courage to change the world in Katie's name. The new law in her name will save many and I especially thank you as a parent of an 18 year old driver.

Sandy Atkisson

September 1, 2007

My name is Sandy Atkisson, and I heard about your daughter Katie in the news today as Katie's Law was announced. I am very sorry for your loss and I pray for God's love and peace to cover you. I thank you and the other families for your efforts and success in passing Katie's law. I lost my little brother in 2004 to an accident involving and 85 yr. old man who failed to yield a right of way. Lives will be saved with stronger laws. Again, THANK YOU!

Anna Rossini

June 4, 2007

i can't believe it's been a whole year, it doesn't seem like it. i went to see katie today, the picture of katie on the headstone is beautiful, i also went to the mass at CKS, also beautiful. i love you nina and the bolka family!

Erika Grau

May 3, 2007

Dear Nina,
I have never told you this, because I wasn't quite sure how to. I never got to meet Katie, but I thought she was amazing in every way. I would tell my mom the countless funny stories you would tell aobut her (like her throwing the book at you in the car, making you do her homework).I would point her out when I was being picked up after school, "Mom!!! Look its Nina's sister Katie!". There was a time were I felt that I didnt need art and that I couldnt do anyting with it. Then, I saw a few of Katie's paintings, which is when I knew I wanted to be that good. So now I am working to be as good as Katie, although I far behind. She is so talented and has served as an inspiration to me as well as others. I pray for you and your family everyday.
with love,
Erika

Craig Miller

May 2, 2007

Dear Bolka Family,

As the father of two young daughters, I was deeply saddened to read about your daughter, Katie, in USA Today. Even though my oldest is seven years old, I still find myself waking in the middle of the night to go check on her...just as I did when she was a baby. I cannot begin to understand how difficult this has been for your family, but I hope it brings you some small measure of comfort to know that others, even complete strangers, are thinking of you and praying for you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Amy Stevenson

April 26, 2007

Dear sweet Johna -
No words can express how sad I was when I heard about your precious Katie! Today I watched a story about her and realized I had never let you know how much I miss that sweet smile. I'm moving this week and actually found a picture of her with Cassidy Franklin backstage at Casa on the Square.

Please know that all of you are in my prayers. This is not something that anyone gets over. Know that you are loved!!!!

Tearra

April 23, 2007

Happy Birthday Katie.

Donna Dandino

April 22, 2007

Dear Johnna and Rick,
I was trying to locate you since I had lost touch only to find you in this news. I'm so sad to hear of your loss. Pat and I truly will pray for you. I remember Katie as a beautiful baby and little girl that my son, Alex, liked to play with. She was smart and pretty like her Mommy. God bless you. Pat and Donna Dandino

Tricia Osborn

February 28, 2007

Johna, Rick and Nina,

I just heard about Katie and I wanted to send my deepest sympathy to you all. I have known Johna for many years and she is one of the strongest, most compassionate women I know! I can't begin to imagine how this tragedy has tested her strength. I hope each day brings you all a little more courage and peace.

Marcey Mullins

February 27, 2007

Rick and Johna,
I just saw the piece on Katie's Law on Channel 8. I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Katie. This is the first I have heard of it. I remember when she was born, though I never got to meet her. She seems like she was a wonderful girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Best of luck in your efforts on getting this bill passed. From a former NM friend.

Pablo Muldoon

February 3, 2007

To the Bolka family,
They say time heals all wounds. Nearly nine months after Katie's death, it may seem like that saying is meaningless. While things will never be the same, know that Katie's memory lives on. Today, hundreds of people will go watch Katie's art show. Many of which, like myself, did not exactly know her well. Yet for some reason, people feel obliged to come, to share in Katie's artistic genius and to commemorate a wonderful artist, daughter, sister, and friend. Know that your family is still in our prayers. Your strength and faith are wonderful examples for us all.
God Bless

January 17, 2007

katie is in my thoughts and prayers everyday. not a day goes by when i do not think of her.

December 7, 2006

Its been nearly six months since Katie’s passing and I would just like to offer my condolences to the Bolka family.

God bless you all and I pray that your lives are getting better.

Linda Johnson

November 2, 2006

Please know that Katie is in the prayers of so many of us on this, All Souls Day. We also pray for each of you, the loving members of her family, that you will know the peace of God that Katie does.

August 28, 2006

It’s so hard to comprehend that it has been three months since you went to be with God. I pray for the ones you left behind who have to deal with the gaping whole your absence has left in their lives. Even though I am young, one of the things that I always try to remember in difficult periods of life is that time mends all loss, wounds and transgressions.



Katie you are light and you continue to shine in my heart and in my memories. You are truly unforgettable.

Karen and Jim Watts and Family

July 31, 2006

Dear Bolka Family,



I am saddened daily by your loss and I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you.



Your daughter Katie was a wonderful and talented girl. It is not often enough that we feel lucky to have known someone, but in Katie's case, when she touched our lives, this is how we felt. She was caring and giving, and we were better for having had the opportunity to know her in her all too short life.



There will never be a day that we will not think of Katie and pray for your family.



Love,

Karen





Karen, Jim, Whitney, Abigail, William, Andrew and Michael Watts

The Ashdown Family

June 29, 2006

I am a friend of Katherine Patricia Bolka's Grandfather, the Honorable John Sprizzo. All of us who know Judge Sprizzo wanted to express our heartfelt condolences to the Bolka family. May the Peace of the Lord find its way to comfort you.

Rebecca Blaustein

June 27, 2006

Dear Johna, Rick & Nina:

I want to express my sadness at your great loss.

I am glad that I had the chance to meet your beautiful daughter Katie in Rome and I will remember her fondly.



My heart goes out to you and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

"Becca"

(Debi's neice)

ALEXIS OLLAR

June 21, 2006

Katie is one beautiful and amazing girl, and i feel so blessed to have been able to have been a part of her life. Katie, Nina, and I shared so many fun expierences one summer that i will never forget! I was lucky enough to be their babysitter and also a camp conselor while they attended the Pines Catholic Camp. Words cannot even do Katie justice of what a talented girl she was; funny, smart, witty, artistic, beautiful, and full of energy! I am truly grateful to have been able to share so many beautiful days with Katie! Her spirit will shine on in the many souls and lives she has touched. Johna, Rick, and Nina you will be in my prayers every single day! Love Alexis Ann Ollar

tom De Nolf

June 20, 2006

one moment i will always remember is when one evening, Katherine, only a few months old, fell asleep one my chest when i was lying on Johna and Richard's living room floor. i felt her life on my chest that changed me...and i remember it to this day.

Johna and Richard, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Katherine will be missed even by us who, unfortunately, only had the chance to meet her once.

much Love,

tom de nolf

Anonymous

June 19, 2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bolka and Nina,

Please know that many are lifting you up in prayer daily for your peace and comfort, which can only be found through our merciful God.

An Ursuline Friend

Cindy Scott

June 19, 2006

We've never met, but I am the mother of a 2005 Ursuline graduate. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray for peace to come to your family one day. God bless.

June 18, 2006

Dear Bolka Family,



You don't know me, but I sat next to your daughter, Katie, in Chemistry class. We sat at the same lab table to take all of our tests and she kept telling me that "there was no way on earth she was going to fail that final!" I laughed it off as a joke, but inside I envied her because I knew that she wouldn't fail it. She was so determined and was going to study for that thing until she could say the formulas in her sleep. Katie was such a sweet girl and even though I wasn't in her grade, she didn't look down on me as beneath her. I constantly pray for you and your every night and I hope that you find peace.

Olivia Lueckemeyer

June 18, 2006

To the Bolka family,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Katie. She was an amazing young woman who taught me alot about life. Her talented and beautiful spirit will linger on forever.



God Bless the Bolka Family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

-Olivia Lueckemeer

Shelley Miller

June 16, 2006

Johna - I just read today about your precious Katie! Oh, my, I cannot imagine your grief, it takes my breath away. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I remember babysitting Katie and Nina all those years ago! What precious babies Katie and Nina were! - and what beautiful young women. One of my daughters - Marissa - who is 7, tells me when we're not going to be together that day, "Mom, we always have each other in our hearts!" So it is. God bless you, Johna.



Shelley Miller (Clayton in the old days)...

Bradley Campbell

June 16, 2006

Johna,

I haven't seen you in many, many years, but I have always thought of you fondly. I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I always remembered that Katie and I shared a birthday. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

courtney bryant

June 15, 2006

Learning of your loss saddens me. I didnt know Katherine. Being a nurse, i see awful situations..this one really hit home. May God be with your family.

Patrizio Family

June 15, 2006

Our hearts break for the pain you must be feeling at this time. Although we have never met, our hearts and prayers will be with you always.

Vanessa Ward

June 15, 2006

To the Bolka Family:



I can only imagine what you are going through and how heavy your hearts must be. My daughter has attended Ursuline the past four (4) years and just graduated this school year (May 28th). When I was informed about your daughter my heart sank! I was devastated by the fact that it was such a young life taken away and more devastaed by the thought that it could have been my daughter.



Although there will be many things in life that happens and we will never understand nor will God give us revelation to, but just remember He makes no mistakes. Although we and especially you would love to have Katie still here, He obviously needed her in His Kingdom to spread her beauty, love, joy, talents and other gifts that He had blessed her with.



For we know that if our earthly dwelling, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made from hands, yet eternal in Heaven. Katie's in a much better and safer place now.



May our farewell express our affection for her; may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet her again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself.



Our prayers shall continue to be with you and we ask through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.



Ursuline parent (2002-2006)

Linda Blaustein

June 13, 2006

Rick, Johna and Nina,

I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. My heart is breaking for you. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to meet Katie last year on your trip to Rome. I will hold on to that memory as I know you will cherish all your wonderful memories of her. Nothing can ever take those away from you. Please know my thoughts are with you.

Linda Hendricks

June 13, 2006

Johna, We haven't spoken in a long time, but I just heard through Dina & Mary Catherine. May God give you, and your family, strength and peace through this time of sorrow. And may your Katie's memories be the light that guides you through that dark cloud.



God bless you all...

Betsy Fulcher

June 12, 2006

My heart grieves for you and your family. As a mother of two girls from Chirst the King and now attending Usuline, I pray that you will find the strength to make it through this tragedy. Just the morning of Katies accident, my eldest drove to Ursuline for the very first time to take her final. I pray that you will seek the support of all those that love you as well as the love of the Lord who has plans for each and every one of us. You are in my prayers, each and every one of you!

Vince & Jane Davis

June 12, 2006

Jonna - Oh my God, Vince and I just heard about Katie and we are overwhelmed by this news! God Bless You, your loss is so great. We love you and hope you are surrounded by everyone who can give you comfort. We have the dearest, deepest sympathy for you at this time.



Love, Vince, Jane and Michael

Kim and John Locus

June 12, 2006

Rick and Johna,

Thank you for sharing one of your most precious gifts, your beautiful daughter Katie. Her smile and spirit lit up a room and we feel so blessed that we were able to share in her life. Know that we are here for you both and Nina and love you very much.

The Locus Family

Ann Cox

June 12, 2006

To the Bolka Family, I do not know you personally, but as an employee of Neiman Marcus, and a parent of a son from Jesuit, my heart grieves for each of you and the loss of a precious life. We pray to our most heavenly Father that in time you will you will find some kind of peace in your heart and that you will always have her vision as Katie's life has had an impact on so many people now and in the future. Ann Cox

Cindy Kivyta - Pingry

June 12, 2006

To Katie's family

I am so sorry to hear of Katie's death. My prayers are with you. Always keep her in your memories and cherish the times you had with her. She is in a good place and will be remembered always. The Ursuline Community is a blessed resource for you to call upon. They were wonderful to me when my father passed away 20 years ago. I cherish my friendships with these women I have gone to school with and my faith that Ursuline has nurtured. Please know that your family is loved and cared about in this time of need and always.



Peace be with you.



Cindy Kivyta Pingry

class of 1982

Evanston, IL.

Megan Windrick

June 11, 2006

To Katie's Family -

I just graduated from Ursuline Academy (Class of 2006). Katie and I sat next to each other in Spanish class this year. She was so much fun to talk to and always had a smile on her face! I want you to know that you are in my prayers and that I am thinking about your family.

Charles Sawczyn

June 10, 2006

We want to express out deepest sorrow at the loss of your beautiful daughter, Katie. Your faith and your love of her memory along with the guiding support and prayers of others will carry you to solace and endurance of your loss. It is a great sorrow to us all and impossible to understand why. We will continue to pray for you and may your faith in God bring you comfort.

Sincerely,

Charles and Lucy Sawczyn

Irving, Texas

Jim and Nancy Gormley

June 9, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Cara Koza

June 9, 2006

Dear Johna,

Please know I have been praying for you and your family since I heard the horrible news. You are one of my favotite people and I know how important your girls are to you. My heart is just broken for your loss. I am sorry I wasn't able to come to Dallas. Please take comfort in God and the love of your friends and family. May the peace of the Lord be with you, Rick and Nina. Love you,

Cara

Juliette Jamieson Ormberget

June 8, 2006

As an Ursuline Academy alumnus of 1982, I offer my sympathy and prayers for the whole family, and especially for her sister, Nina.

Most Sincerely,

Juliette Jamieson Ormberget

Deanna Bailey

June 8, 2006

The ceremony was beautiful...we'll miss you, Katie. You all are in my and my family's prayers.

Igor Vega

June 8, 2006

Dear Johna Rick and Nina,

Although Iv'e never met you or your family I heard much about you and your family from my aunt jenny sandlin. I pray for your family everyday and I was devestated to hear about your loss. I'm very sorry.

David Coffee

June 8, 2006

The turnout at the memorial service was such a testament to Katie; and all of you. May you remember ALL of those people sharing their Love and sharing your grief (including me).

Jessica Rojas

June 8, 2006

Dear Johna and Family,



My heart goes out to you all at this very sad time. Please take some solace in knowing that she is in a better place and that she is with God looking down on you and that she will always be with you.



You are all in mine and Amanda's prayers.



Love,

Jessica Rojas

Judith Hightower

June 8, 2006

Rick and Johna - What a precious life to return home so quickly. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that many, many prayers of support and comfort are offered up to you at this time. May God continue to surround you with His peace.

Michelle Unwin

June 8, 2006

Dear Bolka family,

I am deeply sorry that you have lost your beautiful daughter. Last week we received an emergency email from one of Katie's friends alerting us to pray on Katie's behalf! It was evident from the urgency of the message that Katie was a dearly loved young lady who had many people prepared to surround her with immediate prayer support. Katie's life touched a lot of people. We were also touched to learn that God provided an Ursuline Mom to be with Katie following the accident. We grieve with you during this very difficult time. Please know you have a wide circle of friends who are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Best regards, Michelle Unwin

Ursuline, Class of '82

Connie Nelson

June 8, 2006

Johna, or dear dear Johna, Rick and Nina,

There are no words when the impulse is to simply embrace. I know you are surrouded by lots of loving arms. Including mine here in spirit.

Holding you in my heart.

Much love,

Connie

Barbara Russell

June 8, 2006

Dear Rick & family,

Please know that your many friends are praying for you and know that your love and memories of Katie will live forever. Such a talented artist, that gave so much to the world in her short time here on earth. May God help you during this time of sorrow.

Love, Barb, Clay & Grant Russell

JC, Dee, and Julian Jammal

June 8, 2006

Rick, Johna, and Nina,



Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we all share in the loss of Katie's spirit from this world. With time will come the comfort that she is in a better place and waiting for us all. Honor her memory by focusing on the bright, joyful moments that you shared and God will grant you peace. By living in our hearts may she continue to make her mark on this earth.

Brian and Teri Kelly

June 8, 2006

Rick and Johna,

Comfort does not come easy when you lose one you love so dearly. Rest assured that God will supply the comfort you need. Lean on your family, your friends and your co-workers. We all want to help.

Susie and Mike Braun

June 8, 2006

To Katie's family,

We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. Please know that there are many of us here in Oklahoma City who are keeping you in our prayers, praying that God will gather you in His loving arms and carry you through your grief. Susie and Mike Braun (MHS and St. Eugenes)

Sadie Syer

June 8, 2006

Dear Johna, I am so sorry for your loss. It does not seem right. Or fair, at all. Please know the Syer family has prayed for your family and will continue to do so. Words are inadequate. You are in our hearts, always.

Tracy Sweeney

June 7, 2006

To the family of Katie Bolka - although we haven't met, you are in our prayers. We learned of the loss of your daughter through our family Sue, Jim, Ted and Kat Pressler. Dear friends suffered a similar loss last summer and as we have learned in sharing their grief, although time will never fill the hole in your hearts it will clear the fog of your immense sadness and allow you to once again smile as you lovingly recall fond memories of the time spent with your beautiful daughter. May each special thought shared with you warm your heart and help you on your long journey towards peace and acceptance. Love and prayers, Tracy, Jim , Jimmy and Clare Sweeney

Betsy Bloodworth

June 7, 2006

Rick, Johna and Nina,

I feel so blessed to have gotten the privilege and honor to help Katie pick out her first prom dress 4 short weeks ago. She looked so beautiful and exuberant in that picture wearing her gold prom dress. It is so appropriate she chose the color gold since she is a shining example of what God has intended us to aspire to; a truly happy, loving and gifted child of God. Katie was a treasure and her wonderful family and friends are richer for getting the opportunity to share our lives with God’s precious angel.

May God hold you up and keep you protected during this very difficult time,

With all my love,

Betsy Bloodworth

Suzi McLaughlin

June 7, 2006

Dear dear Johna,

My heart just broke for you and Rick and Nina when I heard the news of Katie's death. There are no adequate words for something this senseless, but I wish you peace and comfort. You are in my prayers.

Suzi

Jerry Russell

June 7, 2006

Johna and Rick,

Your loss is felt deeply in my heart. May you find strength in the memory of the special young lady you shared life with,albeit far, far too short.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Russell

Robin Norcross

June 7, 2006

Dear Rick, Johnna and Nina,

We have been holding you all in our thoughts and prayers the last week or so and keeping abreast of details through AK. I keep remembering what wonderful care Katie would give to our precious pets when we were out of town. A remarkable young lady!



Much love to all of you,



The Norcrosses

Mark Oristano

June 7, 2006

Lynn and I have you and your family in our thoughts.

Susan Brennan

June 7, 2006

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Rene Moreno

June 7, 2006

dearest johna,



you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. i remember katie as the sweetest angel with a beautiful smile who always brightened my day when i saw her. i am so sorry.



my love to you, richard, and nina and your families



rene' moreno

McCall & Jeff Teicher

June 7, 2006

You don't know us, but word reached us here in Austin from Jen and Danny Meisenheimer. We prayed every night for you and your family and continue to do so, especially now. I can't comfort you, but I can tell you that our family and many others carry you in our thoughts and prayers.



The Teichers

Kelley Berberich

June 7, 2006

Rick, Johna and Nina,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May you be encircled by the love and support of the community in your time of grief. "Mrs B", former School Nurse, Christ the King School.

Jeffery Brockman

June 7, 2006

Johna, Rick and Nina, I am so very sorry for your loss of Katie. My thoughts are with you all. May the memories you shared, be cherished in the your heats forever. Though I did not know Katie personally, I know how much joy she brought to everyone that met and knew her. May all the good memories help ease some of the pain you are feeling now. God Bless you all.

Carla Slovacek

June 7, 2006

Ed, Kay and Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Rita High

June 7, 2006

Johna,

My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May the Lord comfort and sustain you.



Miss Rita (formerly of Neiman Marcus Downtown)

John Mitchell

June 7, 2006

Rick, Johna, and Nina, Shery and I wish that there were some words of wisdom and comfort to ease the pain and grief you feel, but there are none. Just know that you are very much in our hearts and prayers. You will remember your beautiful daughter forever and in time God will grant you peace.

Regina Bruce

June 7, 2006

To Katie's family,



My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of deep sorrow. I am so very sorry for your loss. May your faith and special memories of Katie give you strength and be a source of comfort during this very difficult time. God bless all of you.

Bill Franks

June 7, 2006

Rick and Johna,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of loss. You will be in our prayers in the coming weeks to give you the warmth and comfort you desperately need.

Our love,

Bev and Bill Franks

Maxine Sims

June 7, 2006

Yor family has been in our prayers every moment of this difficult time. Katie touched our family as an 8th grader at CKS. Katie was our daughter's, Emily, bible buddy in Kindergarten. I remember how Emily felt after every friday mass after sitting with your precious Katie. Emily remebers her sharing with her about God and the church. She always spoke of her "pretty yellow hair." Emily also has the notes Katie wrote to her. We still have them and will treasure them forever as we will treasure her. Thanks for sharing your Katie with our Emily.

Harryeta Hill

June 7, 2006

Johna,Rick and Nina, my heart just breaks for your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers each day. I wish you strength and love to get through the days to come. We will all miss Katie. God bless you.

mickey earsing

June 7, 2006

i am soo sorry for your loss. I am becoming a freshman at ursuline next year. your family is in my prayers

Lori, Jim, Alexandra & Kelsey Wales

June 7, 2006

Johna, Rick & Nina...Like so many others, we are deeply saddened over Katie's death. We will always remember the sweet young girl with the big smile. Though we cannot begin to know your sorrow, please know we grieve with you and are thinking about you constantly.

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