Obituary for Patty Kruschke

February 11, 1938 – January 12, 2026

Patty Jo Williams was born February 11, 1938 in Omak, Washington to Jesse and Ruth Williams. She was one of four children. She is preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Blanche Shane, and younger sister Mary Lou Sheber, and is survived by her younger brother Larry Williams. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.

She married the love of her life, Norbert "Scotty" Kruschke, on October 16, 1955, in Kennewick, Washington. They raised three sons and one daughter: Laney (Pam) Kruschke, Steve (Teresa) Kruschke, Cyndi (Tim) Murray, and Randy (Linda) Kruschke. As their children grew into adults and found beloved spouses of their own, Patty's and Scotty's family burgeoned. They had fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Patty loved each and every one of them. She loved to have them sit on her lap to hear stories and jokes. Patty loved to have fun and spend time with family and friends, always with a smile on her face. She will be remembered by those who knew her as loving, easy going, and nonjudgmental, a keeper of the peace, and a woman of faith.

Patty was an accomplished painter in both oil and acrylics, and created beautiful ceramic pieces. She also refinished furniture and did home remodeling. Her hobbies included collecting antiques, reading, and travel. She and Scotty traveled to 52 countries as a couple during their marriage, as well as toured much of the United States in their motorhomes. Some of their camping travels included both their kids and their grandkids. When her kids were young, the family sometimes vacationed at the cabin her parents built near Winthrop, Washington. Many years later, the extended family enjoyed two reunions at that cabin, now a rental, and grandchildren were introduced to an area of the state that she loved.

Following in her parents' footsteps into a massage therapy career, Patty graduated in 1971 from the Tri-City School of Massage, the school her parents started in Kennewick, Washington, when she was young. She worked full-time as a massage therapist at the Atomic Health Center (doing as many as 38 massages per week). In 1984 she also took on the role of primary instructor of the Tri-City School of Massage in the evenings. She became the owner and director of the school in 1990 and continued in the role of owner and primary instructor until her retirement in 2020, having taught and influenced hundreds of students. During her 49-year career, Patty was active in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), including the Washington chapter. She served on the AMTA Board of Directors from 1977 to 1980 and again from 1986 to 1992. Patty was instrumental in getting licensure requirements implemented by the Washington Legislature and was proud to hold Washington Massage License number 21. She served on the Washington State Board of Massage Examiners from 1978 to 1985.

Patty was honored with numerous awards during her career, including AMTA Teacher of the Year in 2011, Washington AMTA chapter Outstanding Commitment, Dedication, Vision and Leadership Award in 2010, Washington AMTA chapter Outstanding Contribution to the Profession Award in 1997, and AMTA Meritorious Award in 1982.

At a massage convention in December 2013, Patty presented a detailed history of Washington's role in the AMTA, which can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/92WXT4s-igQ?si=CWNIZ4C05XVb76pN.

Patty's massage career wasn't just about awards and service. She had a touch like velvet and a way about her that was comforting and nurturing to her patients and her students. Her work ethic shone through from the long hours she poured into her massage therapy, her teaching, and her organizational involvements, while at the same time caring for her family. She had it all—a strong foundation, experience, longevity, training, vision, and passion melded together with ample quantities of humility and humor. She lived much of her life for her school and her students. Patty taught with integrity and ensured students understood the importance of the history and evolution of the massage profession over decades. Her captivating and inspiring teaching methods gave valuable tools to her students, creating an irreplaceable niche in many lives. Quantifying her teaching success is difficult, but her influence is substantial.

Patty was preceded in death by her beloved Scotty, her husband of almost 70 years, by a mere six months and four days. She was heartbroken at his passing and threw herself into planning his memorial service, stating that she didn't want his story to be forgotten. On January 12, 2026, surrounded by family who loved her, Patty passed peacefully and joined Scotty in their eternal home.

A memorial service will be held for Patty on February 14, 2026, at Richland Church of the Nazarene, 2500 Jericho Rd. Richland, Washington. Doors open at 1:30 and service begins promptly at 2:00. All are welcome to attend. The service will be followed by a light lunch. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting your local massage therapist.