Susan Kaufman, 89, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
She was born April 6, 1936 in St. Joseph to Jarrel and Grace (Kimbrough) Sipes. She graduated from Oregon, Missouri, High School. Susan earned her associate’s degree at St. Joseph Junior College, and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University.
On June 28, 1976, Susan married H.L. “Sonny” Kaufman. He preceded her in death on January 26, 1998.
She taught in Albuquerque, New Mexico for two years, then taught for 30 years at several St. Joseph School District schools, finishing her career at Skaith Elementary in 1988. She was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, National Education Association, and was the last surviving member of Alpha Delta Kappa-Alpha Nu Chapter.
Susan also was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny; her parents; and step-son, Larry Kaufman.
Survivors include her step-daughters, Debbi Kaufman, Cindi LaFever (Tim), Valerie Burton, Lorri Traylor (Corey), Julie Beauchain, John Kaufman, and Amy Bisbee (Chris); grandchildren, Nicki Hughes (Austyn) and Brett LaFever (Kim); numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Farewell Service and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Thursday, March 19, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Private Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, March 18, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, or the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.