Alma Kirpes Druffel

Alma Kirpes Druffel, 100, passed into the arms of her Lord Jesus on June 18, 2025 in Lacey WA.  Alma was born June 21, 1924 in Colton WA to Teresa (Bauer) and Frank Busch.  Alma was the first of six daughters growing up in a loving family on the Busch farm near Johnson.  She attended Colton High School graduating in 1942.  Alma stayed home her first year out of high school to help her mother who was not well.  She entered WSU in the fall of 1943 and majored in Pharmacy. Alma graduated from WSU in June 1947 and married Paul Kirpes of Colton the following September.  They lived in Moscow Idaho and then moved to the Busch farm when Paul began working for Frank.  Alma worked as a pharmacist until her children were born.  She was active in St Gall parish activities, including the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters.  She returned to part time pharmacy work in 1963, working in Pullman, Uniontown, Colfax, Moscow, and Potlatch allowing the pharmacist store owners a much-needed vacation.  Her last 26 years were spent at White Drug Store in Pullman where she made many lasting friends.

After 31 years of marriage Paul died of cancer in 1978.  Four years later Alma married John Druffel, her long-time farm neighbor.  The combined new family included John's 6 adult children, their spouses, and grandchildren.  Alma and John resided in Colton. They had 31 years together until John passed in 2014.  In 2019 Alma moved to Olympia WA to be near her two daughters after suffering a stroke.

Alma was a loving wife, mother, grandma and friend. Alma was known for her bread baking, orange rolls, pies and for the many delicious meals that she prepared for family and friends.  She welcomed company at any time.  She gave generously of her time to church and community groups, including Hospice and Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation.

Alma is survived by her large, loving family: Dan (Bonnie), Jeanniene (Bill), Colleen (Bill), Alan (Anne); Druffel children: Linda (Dudley), Paula (Glenn), Deb (Harvey), Anita, Jeff and Dan (Lorna); 27 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters Lola O'Toole, Joyce Frei, Frances Coad, Elsie Vezzani and infant Estelle Busch.  She was also predeceased by son-in-law Russ Fabre and grandson Kyle Bielenberg.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the kind and excellent care given by the staff at Brooks Blessings, Lacey WA.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on July 2nd at 11 am at St Gall Catholic Church in Colton.  A Rosary will precede the funeral at 10:15. Interment will follow at St Gall Catholic Cemetery. To honor Alma's joyful spirit, please join us in wearing colorful and cheerful clothing to celebrate her life.  In Alma's memory donations may be made to Lacey Hospice, 4200 6th Ave SE, Suite 201, Lacey WA 98503 or to your favorite nonprofit.