Delores Marie Bussell (née Ringman) was born on January 13, 1930 in Everett, WA to Alice and Ralph Ringman. She died on April 11, 2024 on Bainbridge Island, WA. Delores was raised in Everett and enjoyed spending time at her grandparents’ farm (Matson family) at Lake Stevens; she graduated from Everett High School in 1947. She attended Washington State College (now University) in Pullman where she obtained an undergraduate degree in home economics in 1951. Delores’ first teaching job was at Anacortes High School.
Delores married George Bussell in 1954 and together they raised three children while both working in education. Delores continued her public school teaching career at Valley High School (Menlo, WA) and at elementary schools on Bainbridge Island, WA, but she also taught at Emmanuel Day School (Mercer Island), First Presbyterian Church Nursery School (Greenwich Village), and Saint Barnabas Day School (Bainbridge Island). She was a much loved and popular kindergarten teacher on Bainbridge. After retiring from teaching, Delores enjoyed working part-time at Roberts Jewelers, a hub of activity on the island.
In retirement, Delores enjoyed traveling to Europe with her husband George, gardening at their long-time home on Point White, volunteering, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Delores loved living on Bainbridge Island and participated in a broad range of island activities and organizations.
In addition to her parents, Delores was predeceased by her husband George, her brother Robert and sister Marilyn. She is survived by her three children Mike (Susan), Karen (Bruce) and Mark (Kristi) along with grandchildren Stephen, Brian, Rachael, Brittany, Sara, Claire and Meaghan, and great grandchildren Obadiah, Noelle, Charlie, Ella, Barrett and Amelia.
Donations in Delores’ memory can be made to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum or the Bainbridge Island Senior Center. A Celebration of Life for Delores will be held at 2 PM on June 22, 2024 at the Bainbridge Island (Stan Pocock) Rowing Center.
