Susan Kaufman

Susan Kaufman, 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Born on April 6, 1936, in St. Joseph to Jarrel and Grace (Kimbrough) Sipes, she graduated from Oregon, Missouri High School before earning an associate’s degree from St. Joseph Junior College and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University.

On June 28, 1976, Susan married H.L. “Sonny” Kaufman, who preceded her in death on January 26, 1998. She began her teaching career in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she taught for two years, then returned to Missouri and taught for thirty years in the St. Joseph School District. She concluded her career at Skaith Elementary in 1988. A dedicated educator, Susan was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, the National Education Association, and the last surviving member of the Alpha Delta Kappa-Alpha Nu Chapter. She was also a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband Sonny, her parents, and her step-son Larry Kaufman. She is survived by 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); and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.