Ruth S. KISSNER

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1915 to Adelle and Edward Schwier; passed
away peacefully with her family by her side, on Oct. 21, 2003 in Seattle. Ruth
moved to Seattle at age two with her parents and older brother Frederick. The
family settled in West Seattle, where it grew to include her sister Lorraine and
brother Edward. Ruth attended Fauntleroy Elementary School, Madison Junior
High, and graduated from West Seattle High School. She met her future
husband, Joseph Burton Kaufman, at JC Penney in downtown Seattle, where
they both worked. They were married in 1940 and lived in West Seattle where
they raised their two children. Ruth retired in 1978 following a 20 year career
with the Seattle City Council, where she worked in an administrative position.
Ruth enjoyed her work and the numerous professional relationships and
friendships she established during these years. Ruth assisted in her husband's
women's apparel business, both traveling with him and modeling. Following
her husband's death in 1973, she met and married August J. (Bud) Kissner, of
St. Louis. Ruth and Bud enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and relatives
until Bud's death in 1985. After Bud's death, Ruth devoted much of her time to
her grandchildren: volunteering at their daycare, elementary schools and
participating in their various activities and events. Consistent with her interest
in local government affairs, she served for many years as a King County
Elections Judge. Ruth is survived by her two children, Jerry Burton Kaufman
and Julienne (Joseph) Sears; her grandchildren Jennifer Kaufman; Jeremy
Kaufman; Megan Sears; Maureen Kaufman; and Anne Sears. Ruth also leaves
behind her sister Lorraine (William) Steyh, sisters-in-law Dixie (Frederick)
Schwier and Marjorie (Edward) Schwier and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers Frederick and Edward Schwier. At
her request, services are private. Remembrances may be made to Fauntleroy
Children's Center in West Seattle or Swedish Medical Center Foundations of
Seattle.

Published in print on 10/25/2003.
Seattle Times

 

 

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