Lynn Ellis Kaufmann

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Lynn was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 20, 1934. She was the oldest daughter of Robert and Ione Judson Ellis. Lynn and her sister Sharon grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, surrounded by friends and family. She attended New Trier High School where she enjoyed and excelled in art. After high school, Lynn moved to California and later to Texas. She was the mother of five children: two boys, George Bates (Eva) and John Rystedt; and three girls Nancy Rystedt preceding her in death, Susan Howard (Carol), and Anne Benavides (Mario). In addition, she was the proud grandmother of four: Jeffrey Phillip Gaudet, Mario Alberto Benavides, Jr. (Beth), Courtney Bates, and Ashley Lynn Benavides (Cris), as well as the great-grandmother of one, Evie Belle Benavides. Love of animals and reading are two qualities Lynn encouraged in both her children and grandchildren. Lynn passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 and will truly be missed.

Lynn’s journey through this life was filled with frequent change, challenge, and adventure. Those that were close to her and those that knew her understood her complex nature and perspective; her children and grandchildren most of all.

Throughout her life, and to the same degree in her final moments, she was an intellect, a learner, a reader, and a critic. She read people and situations well. She understood how to connect with others on the deepest of levels or inversely give the coldest of shoulders. At her weakest, she was as flawed as the rest of us. At her best, she led a courageous life which has and will influence her direct descendants for generations to come.

Much of her nature and legacy was reconciled with her and her family’s rich history. Whether it was education and access to the finer things in life in her early years or the desire to get away and be out on her own.

Her maternal great-grandfather, Whitcomb L. Judson, was an American salesman, mechanical engineer, and inventor. He is most known for his invention of the zipper, among many other patents. The influence of the zipper cannot be overstated, and it is one of the most ubiquitous inventions on planet earth today. His son, Lynn’s grandfather, Ross W. Judson, was an auto manufacturer and industrialist. He is the founder and former President of Continental Motors, a first mover, supplier and producer in the engine, automobile, and aircraft industries. His influence led to innovative productions and subsidiaries. Most notably, the supply of engines for hundreds of automobile, motorcycle, truck, bus, tractor, plane, and tank models. In short, he and his company provided a countless number of famous and forgotten manufacturers with a foundation upon which the transport vehicle industry was built on. He was also paramount to the development of the United States’ aeronautical industry. Curiously enough, his yacht, the Trudione, was converted by the Navy into a patrol ship named the USS Carnelian during World War II.

The above insights are evergreen and instrumental both to Lynn and American society, yet still only a piece of her history and what will take place with those touched by her.

A Memorial Service may be scheduled for a later date.

Memories of Lynn may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.