Ruth I. Tessendorf Brecheisen

Ruth I. Tessendorf Brecheisen , 92, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Kelly House of Topeka. She was born March 16, 1931 at the family farm home near Ozawkie, the daughter of John H. and Gertrude M. (Mullendore) Sayler. She had resided in the Jefferson County area for several years, moving to Osage County, Shawnee County, back to Jefferson County before returning to Topeka in 2006.

Ruth graduated from Lyndon High School. She was employed by the Topeka Milling Company for several years and then worked for the State of Kansas, Kansas Corporation Commission from June 1, 1962 until retiring on September 5, 1979.

Ruth's passion was animals. She and her father raised and showed Palominos in pleasure classes. She also showed cattle and swine. She became interested in dogs and purchased her first purebred in 1957. She hunted, raised, became licensed to show dogs professionally in 1960 by the American Kennel Club and held that title until she applied and became a judge in 1983. She judged dog shows throughout the United States and Canada. She retired from judging in 2014. She was an active member of the Topeka Kennel Club from 1958 to the present. She had been an officer and board member since 1960.

Ruth loved all animals. When she was a young child, she would find cats and dogs that were abandoned and bring them home to care for them. That continued throughout her life. She was known as the East Topeka Humane Society by her family as she fed and watered feral cats. She was able to use a live trap to catch the cats and the Topeka Community Cat Fix program would spray or neuter the cats and return them to where she lived. This was a trait Ruth's granddaughter, Danielle inherited. Ruth would joke that it runs in the family.

In addition to travelling throughout the United States, Ruth also travelled to many countries including, The Holy Land (Israel), Barbados, Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey.

Ruth was a member of the Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

Ruth married Wendell Blossom. They later divorced. She later married Robert Tessendorf which ended in divorce. On December 31, 2008, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Brecheisen. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her four brothers, Lloyd Sayler, Harold Sayler, Paul Sayler, Leslie Sayler and two sisters, Mildred Altig and Margaret Hendrix.

Survivors include two children, John Michael (Brenda) Blossom of Bettendorf, Iowa, Debra "Deb" Carter of Topeka, three grandchildren, Sean Blossom, Brady Blossom and Danielle (Josh) Honeycutt, five great-grandchildren, Carter Honeycutt, John David Honeycutt, McCoy Blossom, Keely Blossom and Alayah Blossom. Also surviving are three step-children, Rex Brecheisen, Ronda (Nelson) Higdon and Rita (Larry) Masenthin and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 in the All Saint's Hall at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. Private inurnment will take place in Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603 or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, Kansas 66604.

To all of Ruth's friends: You have shown kindness in multitudes - through your words, your actions, and your presence. Thank you for your love and support throughout Ruth's journey. Our family is forever grateful for each one of you.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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