Claudia Jean Kappel Bushbaum

Claudia Jean Kappel Bushbaum, 81, died on the evening of August 11, Claudia passed away after a nine year battle with Alzheimer’s disease; while being cared for by familiar staff members at the Holmes Sweet Home Care adult family home in Auburn.

Claudia was born in Ritzville, on August 1, 1934. She was the fourth child of John and Edith Kappel, who owned a wheat farm near Ruff.

Claudia was given the nickname “Sparkie” by Mrs. Batt, a woman who helped during the harvest season on her parent’s farm. And everyone who knew her at that time began calling her Sparkie and have continued to do so ever since.

Known as “Sparkie” by her childhood friends and family, she graduated from Ritzville High School in 1952. After high school, she attended Kinsman Business College in Spokane. After graduating, she went to work for an attorney in Ritzville.

Claudia moved to Seattle and worked as a secretary for the Teamsters where she was promoted to secretary of the Teamsters Local. She was offered a position to represent Northwest Airlines flight attendants by the Teamsters in Minneapolis. At age 50, Claudia retired and moved back to Seattle. She started a cleaning business which was very successful.

She enjoyed decorating, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. They were the loves of her life. Claudia was also very active in A.A. helping alcoholics to gain sobriety. She also enjoyed working in her yard, going to the movies, traveling and visiting new places.

Claudia was preceded in death by her husband Bill Bushbaum; her parents John and Edith Kappel; her sisters Georgia Elliott and Aloma Bischoff, and her grandson David Mathews.

Claudia is survived by daughter Debbi Roehl, son Kent Liming, granddaughter Amber Lee, great-granddaughters Aiyana and Harlow, sister Jackie Garrison.

Donations in memory of Claudia may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Special thanks to the Farouk family and caretakers at Holmes Sweet Home Care for the exceptional and loving care they provided for Claudia.

A memorial in honor of Claudia will be held Saturday, September 12, 11:00 am, at Verazano’s Italian Restaurant, 28835 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003, at 11:00 a.m.