Ruth Ellen Kress

Ruth Ellen Kress (nee Moore), aka Lennie, age 90, died of heart failure on Sept. 19, 2013, at her home in Chester, MD. She was born Oct 3, 1922 in Laurel, MD to the late Marion E. Moore and Florence Manuel Moore and was the oldest of 5 children.

Lennie went to private schools in Laurel MD, VA, and NJ after the passing of her mother. During WWII, in 1944, she met Edward B. Kress, a Marine stationed in Wash. DC. They were married later that same year in San Diego. After the war they settled in Northern California to raise a family. While in CA, she was an active volunteer for Help for Retarded Children, and as president of Santa Clara County Chapter of Muscular Dystrophy, was honored on Jerry Lewis’ Yacht. Relocating with her family to Maryland in the late 1960’s, Lennie worked for Ohio Casualty Insurance Company for 12 years. Lennie will always be remembered for her love of cats, her generosity, pride in her Irish heritage, and love for her husband of 65 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward B. Kress, brother Joseph Moore, and sister Virginia Calavan. Survivors include son Richard Kress ( Carol) of Denver, daughter Sally Prascus (John) of Chester, MD, two sisters Fredi Zimmerman of Hooversville, PA and Lillian Belt of St. Louis, two grandsons Jason Carzon of Bowie, MD and Blake Carzon ( Jessica) of Crownsville, MD two great grandchildren Madeline and Max Carzon of Crownsvile, MD and many relative and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD, Monday, September 23, 2013 from 6-8 p.m., where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 10 a.m., interment will follow in Meadowridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Chesapeake Cats and Dogs, 300a Island Park, Stevensville, MD 21666 and/or Hospice of Queen Anne’s, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617.