Katherine Ruzicka

Kathy A. Ruzicka, age 70 of Grafton, ND, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.

Katherine Ann Watkins was born June 25, 1950 in Homestead, Florida, the daughter of the late Tom Watkins and Gladys (Dub) Kubesh.  Kathy and her mother moved to Park River when her father, Tom was deployed for the Korean War.  When Tom returned, the family moved to Detroit Lakes, MN and then back to Grafton in 1954.  She attended school in Grafton and graduated from Mt. St. Benedict Academy, Crookston, MN in 1968.  Kathy was united in marriage to Evarist Ruzicka on October 5, 1968 in Grafton, ND.  The couple made their home in Grafton.  She worked for the Lutheran Sunset Home, had a home day care, R.E.M and the Life Skills and Transition Center until her health forced her to retire.

She was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society.  She loved her family, enjoyed visiting with friends, she loved her dogs and cats and enjoyed traveling.  She always had a smile on her face and never complained and loved her caregivers.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Evarist Ruzicka, Grafton, ND; daughter, Kaley (Jamie) Steidl, Fargo, ND; son, Chad Ruzicka (Jaci Niemann), Grafton, ND; grandchildren:  Hana, Liam, Leighton and Andrew; great granddaughter:  Nova; siblings:  Debbie (Jesse) De La Rosa, Edinburg, TX; Mary Jo (Tom) Olson, Grafton, ND; Patti (Jack) Mihelich, Grafton, ND;  Tom (Julie) Watkins, Summerland, NV; Joe (Robyn) Watkins, Grafton, ND.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  She is preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Frank Kubesh, her grandparents, father and mother-in-law, John and Josie Ruzicka, brother-in-law, Leonard Ruzicka and sister-in-law, Martha Ruzicka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be from 9:30 -10:30 A.M. at the church.  Face masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.