Birth date: Oct 19, 1957 Death date: Aug 13, 2024
Kathleen (Kathy) Ruesch Keefer passed away on August 13, 2024, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. She was born in Newport, RI on October 19,1957 to James and Louise Ruesch. She leaves behind her beloved Hazel Gay LaNas Read Obituary
It was 1965 in Orange County, CA, and both of our dads were deployed to Vietnam for nine months on the USS Valley Forge. Our moms met and became close, so close that we had many dinners together (scrambled eggs and tomato soup anyone?). That was the start of a long and lasting friendship between both families.
Even though the Navy moved us about every two years, the Ruesch and Haas families made sure to stay connected. We took every chance we had to visit each other in places like Virginia Beach; Rockville; Port Orchard, WA, when they were on their way to Kodiak, AK; London when we were stationed there (Louise & Jim). Kathy and I would reminisce on all our many adventures and regale Gay and my Gary with so many stories. And there were stories!!
Kathy, Gay, and I lived in No VA but I was thrilled when they retired to Lewes. I have had a house there since the late 90s and these past few years have allowed us to get together when I was there. We enjoyed - with Gary - the Lewes Christmas parade, watching the Kentucky Derby at their lovely home with June & Olive, many dinners including a mini reunion with some of my siblings in March, their weekend visit to our home in Annapolis, and so many other get togethers. We were to have dinner together when Gary and I were down in early August. When I contacted Kathy in late July, she was at Beebe. I had a chance to talk to her and will always be grateful for the time we had on the phone and for the updates from Gay.
We have known each other since we were eight. She was a strong link to my childhood and all the times we and our families spent together. Wonderful memories. She was a very special friend and I loved her. There is now a hole in my heart. I used to tell her how I could not believe that after all these years, we would end up in the same town in Delaware of all places.
Kathy, my wish for you is peace and love. I miss you very much. Those wonderful memories of you will always be with me.
Gay, Linda, Karol, Kaitlyn, and Kyle, I am so very sorry. I am sending peace and my love to you too.
Dede & Gary
My dad, Kenn Haas.
My siblings Randy & wife Betsy, Ginny & husband David, and Val.
The photos I attached are from my sister Val's second birthday in October 1966. She unfortunately is not in the picture because she was in a high chair. With her birthday in October, Kathy would have just turned eight so we were probably celebrating hers as well.
Anne and I were so sorry to here of Kathy's passing. We have such fond memories of the many years we spent working during, and socializing after, our children's swim meets. Kathy's passion for life and infectious humor will be sorely missed. Our condolences to her family, especially Kaitlyn and Kyle. You will be in our prayers. RIP dear friend.
-Bob and Anne Anastasio
Even though it was for a scant five days, I am very grateful to have known you.
Laurie and I will always remember the trips we were on together, in particular “surfing down the curvy road” in Italy! ❤️
