Ruth Kysel Obituary

Ruth Kysel was faculty at Fort Lee High School in Fort Lee, NJ. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ruth Kysel.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Apr 13, 2015
About	KYSEL RUTH CONOVER Passed away on April 13, 2015, at Concordia of Fox Chapel near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was 93 years old. Ruth was born on August 17, 1921, and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She was valedictorian of her high school class and voted most likely to succeed. Ruth graduated from Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey, before enlisting in the United States Navy, where she worked in intelligence and attained the rank of Lieutenant. She was last stationed in Norfolk, Virginia during the Second World War. After leaving the service, she worked for some years at the Bell Telephone Company. While there, she met her husband, Joseph Patrick Kysel, on a blind date. Ruth spent most of her professional life as a teacher. For 29 years, she taught high school English at Fort Lee High School in Fort Lee, New Jersey. She was the advisor to the National Honor Society chapter and founded and led a successful exchange program for students there. For nearly a decade, she and her husband participated in the American Host Program for teachers from abroad. Ruth was a trusted mentor to many of her students and fellow teachers, leading to a number of lifelong friendships. Ruth was a quick wit and was animated by an insatiable curiosity. She and her husband, Joe, traveled to more than 30 countries on six continents. Istanbul, Turkey, was a favorite destination. She was a four-time Jeopardy! winner and also a repeat-winner on the Who, What, or Where Game. The New York Times crossword puzzles were a favorite pastime. She was also an aspiring author. Ruth and her husband, Joe, were married for 67 years before her passing, theirs was a loving and committed partnership. Ruth and Joe lived for many years in River Edge, New Jersey where they raised their children. They opened their home to and cared for their children and grandchildren many times over the years. She was a devoted, and forceful, matriarch. Above all, her passion was education. She challenged others to achieve great things and forever encouraged and supported her three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to enrich their lives through learning. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Alan Thomas Conover and Marguerite Hasfeld Conover; and her daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Venn Rubin. She is survived by her husband, Joe; their sons, Andrew Joseph Kysel and Paul Alan Kysel (Kristine); five grandchildren, Christopher, Joseph, Ian, Emma and Elizabeth; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Samantha.

Classmate Memories

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Steve Lucas '79 said:

I think I had Mrs. Kysel in my Junior and/or Senior years. She was a very positive person and wasn't afraid to talk about "taboo" subjects. She encouraged us (her students) to think outside of our preconceived notions and to have an open mind. She always encouraged us to read as much as possible. I remember her saying (I'm paraphrasing), 'why don't you boys read? Are you afraid your penises will get smaller by reading? My husband reads a lot and I can assure you, his penis has not gotten any smaller!' She was a great teacher and one to wake you up and get you out of your slumber. I hope there still are teachers in our schools like Mrs. Kysel who were not afraid to push the envelope and us kids to think about what is important and to learn how to form and defend our opinions. God Bless Mrs. Kysel for her BALLS!

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