Thelma (“Tibby”) Sylvia Rissien, 98, passed away on September 7, 2021, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by family. Tibby was born June 6, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, and lived there the majority of her life until she moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 2012 to be closer to family.
Tibby was active in many organizations including Tifereth Israel Synagogue, serving as sisterhood and Hadassah president, Kehilath Israel Synagogue, Al-Anon, and Des Moines Area Community College. In her sixties, Tibby returned to DMACC and graduated with honors, a triple major and received her paralegal certificate. She also served on the school’s Alumni advisory board for years. Tibby had a passion for turtles and her home was filled with turtle decoratives.
Tibby’s family was the center of her life. Tibby was the daughter of Louis and Gertrude Zingerman, had three brothers and a sister, and is survived by one brother, Jerry Zingerman of Nokomis, Florida. Tibby is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Samuel Rissien. Samuel and Tibby met at a young age and were married in Tacoma, Washington, while Sam was stationed there. Tibby is survived by three sons: Kenny (Helen) Rissien of Los Angeles, California; Michael Rissien (Sue Ranftl) of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Aaron (Shelley) Rissien of Overland Park; grandchildren Adam (Leah) Rissien of Missoula, Montana; Jennifer Harris and Rebecca (Jason) Speier of Overland Park; Matthew (Brittany) Rissien and Molly (Nathaniel) Rischall of Chicago, Illinois; and great-grandchildren Benjamin Kuluva, Samuel Katz, Harry Rissien and Uriel Rischall.
Funeral services were held Sunday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. graveside at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. The family also wishes to extend its gratitude to the emergency room staff at Menorah Medical Center, especially Tiffany Sylva, for their compassion and efforts in treating Tibby and keeping the family informed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, 5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS 66210, or Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212.