Elizabeth "Kinne" Bryson Zubits

Elizabeth “Beth” Zubitis went to her eternal Peace in the presence of family on September 18, 2014 at the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community. Beth was born on December 2, 1920 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is survived by her children : Tunell Kinne O'Brien of Portland, Oregon; Nancy Kinne Hallett (Doran) of Jonesport, Maine; Will Kinne (Koni) of Tacoma; Charles Kinne (Zena) of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and Michael Zubitis (Craig) of Seattle. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Beth also leaves behind numerous relatives throughout the Northwest, Nevada, and Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Arvid Zubitis and 3 sisters: Franeta Lamberty Thetford, Joanne Lamberty Melland, and Sandra Bryson Paroian. When Beth was young, her family moved to Oregon. Beth's mother died in 1934 and she went to live with her grandmother in Moscow, Idaho. Beth married Wilbert “Bert” Kinne in 1940 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Shortly thereafter they moved to Seattle and then to Tacoma. She started work at Seattle Woolen/Day's in the 1950's and later became a business agent for the Garment Workers Union (now UFCW). She worked in that capacity until her retirement m 1999. In 1956 Beth married Arvid Zubitis; they were married for 44 years until his death in 2000. Beth and her family moved to Spanaway in the early 1950's where she and her family lived for many years. Later she moved to Parkland. After Arvid's death she lived in Federal Way for several years before moving to the Tacoma Lutheran Home in 2010. Starting in the late 1960's, Beth became active in local politics, especially in her endeavors for the Democratic Party. She served in various functions for the Democrats and especially as treasurer of the Pierce County Democratic League; chairperson of the Washington 2nd, 29th, and 30th Legislative District Democrats. She also served a 4-year term as chair of the Pierce County Democrats. For many years she led the Pierce County Democratic Luncheon Club. Beth was honored to be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco in 1984, Throughout her political career, Beth befriended and met many distinguished politicians and law makers. She was honored to meet the president and to be chauffeured in the presidential limousine during Jimmy Carter's visit to Tacoma in 1980. Beth was a member at All Saints Episcopal Church where she also served on the Bishop's Committee. Among Beth's many recognitions and awards are the Warren G. Magnuson Award for State Committee Woman of the Year and the Glass Ceiling Award. Beth was a tireless advocate for workers, women, and social justice. Her enthusiasm and energy will be sorely missed by her friends. Her family mourns the passing of a great woman, and the major presence in their lives. She was proud of her Canadian and American pioneer ancestry. She was extremely proud of all her children. She was a woman of simple, quiet faith. A funeral for Beth will take place on Thursday, November 6th at 1 pm in All Saints Episcopal Church, 205 East 96th Street, Tacoma. A celebration of Beth's life will take place on Saturday, November 8th starting at 2 pm at the IBEW Hall, 3049 South 36th Street, Tacoma where the family invites friends and relative to share memories, conversations and refreshments. Donations in Beth's memory may be made to the “Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community Employees Education Fund”, 1301 N. Highlands Pkwy., Tacoma, Washington 98406