Ruthann Kornbleet Pozez passed away with her family by her side on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Ruthann was born July 13, 1926 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Louis Pozez, her brothers, Seymour and Lawrence Kornbleet, and her parents, Hy and Edith S. Kornbleet. Ruthann is survived by her three children, Stephen, Andrea, and Norman (Melinda) and three loving grandchildren, Alex, Sam, and Eli. In addition, Ruthann leaves behind an enormous clan of relatives, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her.
Ruthann and her husband, Louis were pillars of the Southern Arizona Jewish Community. After moving to town in 1983, they pursued deep involvement with the Jewish Federation and our beneficiary agencies. Through their leadership and generosity, they inspired many others in the community to deepen their engagement. They helped to build the Tucson Hebrew Academy and Tucson Jewish Community Center campuses – what we know today as the Jewish Community Campus is a product of their leadership legacy. The Pozezes were also instrumental in developing the Tucson Jewish Community Foundation and the University of Arizona Hillel Foundation. In 1995, Ruthann co-chaired the Anne Frank exhibit at the JCC. They were also involved members of Congregation Anshei Israel and Ruthann was a devoted volunteer at the Anshei Israel gift shop.
An intimate family graveside service was held Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, Congregation Anshei Israel, and/or to any charitable organization of choice. Ruthann’s family unfortunately will not be extending Shiva throughout the week at the family home due to Covid concerns, but encourage any and all to reach out to the family with condolences, words of kindness, or fond memories.
