IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION celebrating and congratulating Ruth Petsch on the occasion of her retirement.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21943, June 18, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Ruth Petsch began her service as a Missouri State Public Defender in the Kansas City Trial office on January 29, 1998; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Petsch has served as either first or second chair in over fifty jury trials and always put her clients first often at great personal sacrifice; and,
WHEREAS, after several years as an assistant public defender, Ms. Petsch served on the management team as training team leader; and,
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2011, Ms. Petsch was promoted to District Defender and became the first woman to serve in that role at the Kansas City Trial Office; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Petsch managed the Kansas City Trial Office for over fourteen years where she always made it a priority to attend weddings and funerals of employees' family members, supporting her team in their celebrations and times of need; and,
WHEREAS, during those fourteen years, Ms. Petsch battled for the rights of both clients and public defenders under a continuing caseload crisis; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Petsch has been described by colleagues as an exceptional leader, tenacious, fearless, a person of the highest integrity, someone who will stand up for her clients and employees regardless of the situation; and,
WHEREAS, since joining the Public Defender, Ms. Petsch married her husband Ryan and together have three children, Olive, Rosemary, and Patrick; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Petsch retired from the Missouri State Public Defender on May 30, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, although Ms. Petsch may be retiring from the Missouri State Public Defender, she plans on working with the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom during retirement; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Jackson County are grateful to Mrs. Petsch for her life of public servi...
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