Family and friends will gather next Saturday to remember Joan King, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Joan Muir Batson was born on June 25, 1934 to Phil and Melba (Muir) Batson in Seattle, and passed away peacefully in the company of family and friends on January 5, 2024.

She was proud of her old West Seattle family, who first came to the Alki Beach area in 1919. She grew up in the Admiral district, but spent much of her time with her Grandmother, Martha Muir, who owned restaurants at Alki and later the Junction, one of which was located at the current site of the Great American Diner.

Joan attended Lafayette Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, from which she graduated in 1952. Her father, a Civil Defense official at the time, was posted to Washington, DC, so Joan spent her sophomore year attending high school in Alexandria, VA.

After briefly attending the UW, Joan left school to marry Ralph Seamens, and embarked on her true vocation: wife, mother, as well as a vocal and active member of her community. For many years, she was active in the West Seattle Hi-Yu, the West Seattle Art Club, the YWCA, Girl Scouts, and other organizations. Joan belonged to the West Seattle (now Admiral) UCC in West Seattle, and later Bellevue First Congregational Church, where she added her beautiful voice to their choir. Joan proactively raised her three daughters to be strong, independent woman (and college graduates!), and good mothers as well. No one could surpass her in entertaining, whether it was a picnic on the beach or a pull-out-all the-stops family holiday dinner, and doing it with, as many people have observed, so much elegance.

In 1977, Joan married Robert King, sharing a blended family, beautiful homes, and many trips and adventures on their boat, The Sceptre. After Bob’s untimely death in 1994, Joan left their house in Bellevue and purchased her own home at Providence Point in Issaquah where she resided until health issues prevailed.

While serving on the planning committee for their 50th high school reunion in 2002, Joan became re-acquainted with Tom Knapp, a fellow classmate from 1952, and they were together, sharing more trips and adventures, until her passing.

Joan is survived by her children and their families: Karen Dobbs, Jill (Jim) Gilliom, Renee (Brian) Thorngate, Chris (Karen) King, and Diane King (Jim Bowden); grandchildren Laura (Nick) Mitchell, Mark (Kelly) Wissing, Rachel Gilliom, Jacob Thorngate, Camden Thorngate, Julie Swanson, and Brian Loberg; great-grandsons Henry, Colin and Sam Mitchell. These children were all the Lights of her Life. Her dear partner Tom Knapp also survives her.

Services will be held at Bellevue First Congregational Church on Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 PM. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Bellevue First Congregational Church, the West Seattle High School Alumni Scholarship program, or to any local charity benefitting children, families or the elderly. Arrangements by Sunset Hill Memorial Park.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 27 to remember Janet Miller; here’s what they are sharing with the community now:

Janet Virginia Miller – reader, artist, wife, friend, mother, grandmother, aunt – died in her sleep, two months after a stroke, on December 29 in Spokane. She was 81.

The daughter of Harold Eastburg and Jane Humphrey, she was born September 25, 1942 in Spokane. Janet learned to read at 3 and never stopped. Her favorite book was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, which she reread annually since she was 10.

She graduated in the first class through Shadle Park High School. She dreamt of becoming a stage actress, a costume designer, a fashion illustrator, and/or a fiction writer. Her vocational profile recommended she become a librarian.

She attended Whitman College for one year, where the only things she learned were “how to drink and smoke.” She returned to Spokane, married Dennis Miller, and had two children and dozens of cats. Following his new job, the family moved to West Seattle in 1977. They were members of West Side Presbyterian Church, she for 39 years. She edited the church newsletter for 25.

Janet and Dennis were married for 45 years before his death in 2007.

She never lost touch with her high-school sweetheart, Dick Gibson, a journalist living in Des Moines, Iowa, talking and writing often. Dick encouraged Janet to move back to her childhood neighborhood, which she did in 2020. They planned on Dick moving back to Spokane too, before his death in 2021.

Over the decades Janet expressed her art by sewing dolls and their clothes, cutting silhouettes, building paper flowers, and making Christmas ornaments. She is known for her Scherenschnitte, the German art of paper cutting, and had drawings published in Paperdoll Review. Her latest craze was building paper house dioramas and pop-ups, such as her annual Christmas card.

She mentored her granddaughters, great-nieces, and a friend’s daughters, by teaching them to express themselves through arts and crafts.

Janet was known for her collection of large, bright earrings. She kept her mind sharp by reading mysteries and literature, following national politics, and beating the rest of us at Wordle.

Janet is survived by her son, Matthew and his partner, Kimberly Kelstone; her daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law Kai Molvik; three grandchildren, Maggie Molvik, K.C. Molvik, and Nathaniel Miller; her cat Sailor; and her friend of fifty years, Pamela Barclay. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; her sweetheart, Dick; and cats too numerous to name.

A memorial service will be 11:00 Saturday morning, January 27, at West Side Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

Janet loved red roses. Or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; to Wheelchairs for Nigeria; or to your local libraries and schools encouraging young girls to read, write, draw, and dream.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 20 to remember Terry Menstell. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:

Terrence (Terry) Anthony Menstell, age 63, of Seattle, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Terry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Leslie; his mother Marian; brother Steve; sisters Virginia and MaryLynn; his children Elizabeth (Tyler) and Katharine; and his grandson August. He was preceded in death by his father Robert and his brother John.

A proud graduate of the Culinary Arts program at Seattle Central College, Terry worked professionally as a chef in a variety of Seattle-area establishments ranging from the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, the Lakes Club, and the Harbor Club to senior living communities including Madison House – Kirkland, Queen Anne Manor Senior Living, and Sunrise Senior Living – Mercer Island and Bellevue.

A loving and dependable son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, co-worker, and boss, Terry always lent a cheerful and generous helping hand – from picking staff up and driving them to work on snowy early mornings, dead car battery rescues to computer troubleshooting, multiple household dump runs, and moving day help – truck and heavy lifting all included.

A memorial service will be held at (updated location) Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) in West Seattle at 12 noon on January 20, 2024, followed by a light lunch.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to FareStart: https://www.farestart.org/donate.

To share a memory about Terry, please visit the Dignity Memorial site: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/terrence-menstell-11611935

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather Tuesday (January 9) to remember Huntley Mann. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

Huntley Shaw Mann Jr. went peacefully to be with Jesus on December 20th, 2023. He was the only son of Huntley and Ina (Whitehead) Mann. He was 91 years old. Huntley was born and raised in West Seattle and spent most of his life there.

Huntley loved to fish and hunt. His love for fishing and the outdoors began when he was a kid, spending summers in Alaska and Southern California helping his dad on his fishing boat. The love for fishing followed him throughout his life.

He met Marlene Hill at West Seattle High School and they married in 1952. After getting married, he served his country in the Navy overseas. Huntley was trained as a machinist at the Edison School in Seattle. He had the gift of being able to fix anything. Huntley and Marlene were blessed with seven beautiful daughters, 23 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

For 35 years, he took his family and friends on camping trips throughout Washington state, teaching them the art of fishing and boating. Baker Lake Resort was one of his favorite places and holds many loving memories with fishing stories, boating activities and camping fun with family and friends.

Huntley was a faithful friend to many and a constant support to his family over the years. He filled voids and helped so many, quietly, not wanting any accolades. Later in life, he regularly got together at the Metropolitan Market with his friends to share a morning cup of coffee, fellowship, and catch up on the latest West Seattle news. In his later years, he became an avid reader of all genres; historical, mysteries, and thrillers were among his favorites.

Huntley loved his family, a hot cup of tea with his grandma’s Scottish Shortbread or a good chew and all the family dogs that passed through his home over the years. He always had a treat for them when they visited. His grandkids could always count on an Almond Roca treat and a cribbage game when they came to visit.

During his last days when asked what words of wisdom he wanted to share with his family, he said, “Don’t do drugs and Go to Church!”

He always said “I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.” And he was!

He will be forever missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of his family and friends and all who loved him. Our hearts rest in the knowledge that our dad is alive and well in the arms of Jesus!

Huntley is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marlene; his seven daughters – Rhonda (Shane) Stanley, Denise (Saeed) Mahboub, Desiree Kjorsvik, Roxanne (Jon) Tunison, Deanna (Steven) Smith, Rachel (Jon) Daniels and Marlo (Michael) Maddy; 23 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service for Huntley on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Forest Lawn, 6701 30th Ave. SW). Following the service, a celebration of life gathering will be held at the Mann house.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 19 to remember Steve Lacher. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now with his community:

Steven Joseph Lacher
July 4, 1957 – November 21, 2023

Steve passed away peacefully with his siblings by his side after a very courageous, hard-fought 4½-year battle with cancer.

Steve grew up in West Seattle, graduating from Holy Rosary Grade School in 1971 and O’Dea High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Steve toured Europe on his 10-speed Schwinn bike between his Junior and Senior year on his own. After graduation, Steve attended Washington State University. Steve’s love of the outdoors and fishing took him to Alaska, where he spent several summers crabbing in the Behring Sea. Steve joined the US Navy in March of 1985, where he went to school learning the skills as a Boiler Technician. After his medical discharge from the Navy in October of 1989, he continued his education at Seattle Central Community College, earning an AS in Mariner Engineering. Steve used his education to work in his field in both Alaska and Washington. Steve’s last position was with the State of Washington as a Stationary Engineer 2 at Fircrest DSHS, where he retired July 1, 2023.

Steve loved his family, his solitude, his dog Bella, the outdoors, fishing, and all things football. He was disappointed with where the Seahawks were when he passed and had really hoped to be around to see the Huskies play in the National Championship.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Karlene Lacher and his beloved dog Bella. He is survived by his siblings Jean (Michael), Jolene, Jill (Mark), and Joe (Joy) and his nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM with reception following at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW.

Not being one who enjoyed dressing up, and with his love of football, one of Steve’s last requests was that everyone attending his service come wearing your favorite NFL or college football team attire or colors.

The family would like to thank Dr Henry Li and his staff at the Polyclinic Seattle for fighting Steve’s battle with him. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice of Seattle for the care and respect they gave Steve in his final months as well as the support given to our family.

Remembrances may be made to: Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 2811 S. 102nd St., Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168, or Seattle Humane Society, or to the charity of your choice.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 13 to remember Bill Sauter, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

William Warren Sauter
November 29, 1946 – October 24, 2023

William Warren Sauter passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at the age of 76. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and the owner of the plumbing company West Seattle Sewer and Drain. He was well known as West Seattle’s local plumber, enjoying friendships with his customers and rescuing them from plumbing emergencies. When Bill retired four years ago, he sorely missed his work and his customers.

Bill grew up loving the game of baseball. He began playing for West Seattle Little League at the age of ten and continued through American Legion and West Seattle High School. He pitched for the 1964 West Seattle High School team that won the Metro League Championship that year and was named 1st Team in the State of Washington. Bill was the only Sophomore on that team. In 1966, his senior year at West Seattle High, he was chosen as team captain and awarded Most Inspirational Player.

Bill served four years in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. After basic training, he served at Goose Bay Labrador’s Air base in Canada, fueling U.S. military aircraft. He finished his service at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, fueling Air Force helicopters.

Known for his garage sales in Arbor Heights, his signs would be posted on the corner of 35th SW and SW 106th St. in summer and fall months. He loved interacting with the buyers and was famous for his “wheeling and dealing.” Some people would return every year just to share their troubles to a listening ear.

Bill was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to work hard to accomplish their goals. He is remembered by them for his ability to laugh at himself.

He leaves his wife, Diane; two daughters, Julia and Erin; son David and his wife Morresia; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Emily, Jerin, Elisa, Zach, Lexi, and 4-month-old granddaughter River.

A memorial service for Bill will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Grace Church, 10323 28th Ave SW.

(Updated January 2 at 10:30 pm)

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Wally Styrk, and sharing this with the community:

Walfrid Uno Styrk
1933-2023

Wally Styrk was born on February 14th, 1933, in Kearsarge, Michigan. His family later moved to Butte, Montana, and finally to Washington state, where they made their home in West Seattle. There, Wally attended Cooper Elementary and West Seattle High School. He always said that he “loved every minute” of his childhood, when his days were mainly spent at the Delridge gymnasium or hunting golf balls at West Seattle Golf Course.

After high school, Wally married Julie Anne Neale and joined the Army, where he served in the Canine Corps training German Shepherds for the Korean War. He remained fond of German Shepherds and enjoyed one as a family dog for many years.

Upon completing his time in the Army, Wally returned home to Seattle and was the first person to disembark the ship. His arrival was featured in the Seattle Times and included a picture of him on the dock reuniting with his wife, Julie.

Together, Wally and Julie made their home in the Alki area of West Seattle and raised four children, including Pam (Doug) Crim, Greg (Linda) Styrk, Lynne (Matt) Crockett, and Karen (Darrin) Williams. They had eight grandchildren: Bryan Crim; Ryan Styrk and Jenni (Styrk) Condon; Elli (Crockett) Surber, Mariah, Hannah, and Salvador Crockett; and Zachary Williams. At the time of his death, Wally had four great grandchildren: Skyler and Memphis (Crockett) Surber, and Campbell and Miller (Styrk) Condon.

Wally spent most of his life working on the Seattle waterfront as a longshoreman and foreman. He worked alongside his father, Karl Styrk, and brother, Bill Styrk, as well as friends he had known since childhood. Wally believed in hard work, often working seven days a week.

As a foreman, Wally was known as a tough but fair boss. He was particularly proud that his daughter-in-law, Linda Styrk, worked for the Port of Seattle. They had many spirited discussions over the years!

Wally loved sports and was an avid fan of the Seahawks, Sonics, and Mariners. He was just as passionate for the sports his children and grandchildren participated in, and he attended as many of their events as he could. He was extremely proud of their achievements, and he bought each grandchild a letterman’s jacket to recognize what they’d accomplished.

Family vacations were an important part of Wally’s life. Two of his favorite places to go were Hawaii and on cruises in Alaska, where his son, Greg, piloted the ships. Wally was also proud of his Finnish heritage, and he travelled to Finland with Julie and his daughter, Pam, to visit all his relatives.

In their later years, Wally and Julie built a beautiful home on the Hood Canal waterfront in a small community named Holly. It became a special place where the family enjoyed an abundance of time together, with countless memories created over the years. Wally lived in Holly until his last days.

Wally died on December 22nd, 2023 surrounded by his large family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Ellen Styrk, and his wife, Julie, and survived by his brother, Bill Styrk. He was 90 years old. His big booming voice and good-hearted nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

No service is planned. Donations in remembrance of Wally can be made to:
Holly Community Club
24283 Seabeck Holly Road NW
Seabeck, WA 98380

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather Thursday to remember Dick Douglas. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

Richard “Dick” Douglas died peacefully on December 16, 2023, in West Seattle at the age of 94.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gladyne; his sister Carolyn Titus; five children: Debbie, Steve (Terry), Deanne “Coco,” Susie (John), David (Laura); eleven grandchildren: Curtis Jr. (Sara), Dennon, Chad, Rory (Laura Belle), Brady (Samantha), Jake, Natalie (Nate), Jason, Matthew, Benjamin, and William; and four great-grandchildren: Curtis III, Cormac, Augustin, and Jett.

Dick was born in 1929 in Monroe, WA, to Raymond “Bus” and Helen Douglas. He spent the first 12 years of his life in Sultan, Washington, at the base of the Cascade Mountain range, where he learned to fish and swim. They moved to Seattle in 1941 when Dick was 12 years old, where they lived on Capitol Hill. Dick attended Saint Joseph’s Catholic School and Seattle Preparatory High School where he played varsity football and varsity basketball. He went on to attend the University of Washington (UW), where he studied business, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and was an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. He met the Love of His Life, Gladyne, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, during his Senior year (1953) at UW. Their first date was in February and he gave her his fraternity pin in March. In June 1953, he graduated from UW, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) in Business, and was commissioned a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant. He proposed to Gladyne in October 1953.

Dick then attended basic infantry training in Fort Benning, Georgia, in preparations for wartime deployment. On leave from the Army, he married Gladyne on December 26, 1953. Shortly after, in 1954, Dick deployed for the Korean War, where he anticipated being on the front lines as an infantryman; however, his Army superiors recognized that he had a Business Degree and assigned him to manage the large Post Exchange (PX) in Seoul. He successfully completed this assignment, returned stateside, and after two years of honorable service, was discharged from the Army.

In 1959, Dick began a successful career at Boeing, where he worked for 31 years in the Human Resources Department. A highlight of his time at Boeing was an assignment to Saudi Arabia from 1984-1986, where he supported all the in-country employees required to conduct maintenance, training, and operations of the fleet of airliners bought by the national Saudia Airlines. Following his philosophy of “working to live” and not “living to work,” he retired from Boeing in 1990 to see the world with his wife.

Dick loved golf, traveling, spending the cold Seattle winters in Sun City West, AZ, watching UW Huskies football games, and cherishing time with his family and friends. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His unquestionably positive attitude, sense of humor, jokes, and gregarious laugh will be missed by all.

His funeral will be held on December 28 at 11 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Please share memories & photos of Dick on the Tribute Wall, at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Richard-Douglas

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather Thursday to remember Bob Bruck. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared with the community:

Born July 20, 1932, Robert Eugene Bruck died in his sleep on December 11, 2023.

Born in Spokane and raised in West Seattle, Bob was an apprentice cabinet maker and avid golf player. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, Bob attended Seattle University on a golf scholarship. His 1957 team was inducted into SU’s hall of fame in 2014. He lived his dream life: a house and membership at Sahalee Country Club. Bob kept to his values (simplicity, serenity, and sincerity) through a career in computers, starting at General Electric and later at People’s Bank. He played a key role in the early ATM project, “The Exchange.” Father, stepfather, and grandfather, Bob is survived by Vicky, his wife of 46 years and his caregiver since a diagnosis with Parkinson’s.

A graveside memorial service will take place at Seattle’s Evergreen Washelli at 2 pm Thursday, December 21. Enter on 125th across from Lowe’s and stay to the left. There will be a tent after a short walk over grass and stones. No reception planned.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather February 4 to celebrate the life of Lane Townsend. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Margaret Elaine “Lane” (Wise) Townsend

Lane Townsend, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2023. She was born in Seattle, Washington on October 27, 1927 to Robert Wise and Beatrice (Bryan) Wise. She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan Townsend and brothers Ken and Gordon “Oly” Wise. She is survived by her children Steve (Kay), Dave (Jan), Carl (Jennine), and Keith (Yvonne) Townsend, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. As matriarch of the family, she was a generous and beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and good friend to all who knew her.

Lane grew up in West Seattle at 1301 Harbor Avenue. As a young girl she rode the street car to Alki Elementary School and later took dance lessons in the ballroom of the Stockade Hotel. After graduating from West Seattle High School (class of ’45) and attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Music from the University of Washington, where she met and fell in love with Ivan. They were married in 1950.

A loving wife and a very involved mother, Lane was always engaged in activities with Ivan and her four boys. Whether she was serving as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, presiding over the Lafayette Elementary School PTA, or organizing parent groups for James Madison Jr. High and West Seattle High School band and orchestra students, she generously gave the gift of time to her West Seattle community.

Lane inherited her love of music from her father, and it followed her to the end of her life. A benefactor and season ticket holder for Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Opera for many years, she loved performances of Puccini’s Tosca, Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Verdi’s Aida. In her final days she would listen to classical music and gracefully conduct with her fingers in the air, which brought her peace and tranquility.

She had a fierce love for family and was brokenhearted when her father died. Through the years she remained very close to her mother, spending every Friday with her. Giving the gift of time, they would go grocery shopping, run errands, go somewhere fun… and she always had Gramma at our home for Friday night dinner.

After her father’s passing, Lane inherited his forest land, where she and Ivan learned how to be tree farmers. They built a cabin in the woods and acquired her father’s love of trees. Successful at forest management, they were recognized as Washington State’s Tree Farmers of the Year in 1977. Together, they shared their experience and knowledge of forestry with other members of the Washington Farm Forestry Association. The Tree Farm was one of Mom’s happy places and the forest and cabin have been the location of our annual family reunion (and Uncle Kenny’s salmon bake) for more than 55 years.

Playing competitive tennis, bowling with West Seattle bowling leagues, and water aerobics at the YMCA kept Lane physically active all of her life. Reading the local newspaper daily held her finger on the pulse of local and national information and politics. Combining fitness with her mental acumen and zeal for life surely contributed to her longevity. She loved to travel and loved sharing her travel experiences with others. Some of her adventures took her to Mexico, Europe, Australia, China, Russia, and Egypt. Hiking to the tops of pyramids, walking the Great Wall of China, and riding camels were all parts of her adventures!

A few years after Ivan’s passing, Lane sold her home of 44 years and bought a condominium across the street from Don Armeni Park. Located at 1301 Harbor Avenue, it was the exact same address as where she grew up, but on the 4th floor of a beautiful building with a sweeping view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. And there was always a ferry boat sailing through Elliott Bay! Watching people walk, jog, ride bicycles, and roller skate along the waterfront was a favorite pastime. Always the adventurer, sometimes she would walk down the street to the biker bar for a cold beer.

Convalescing after a broken hip in 2015 prompted a move to an adult care home, where she enjoyed culture in Bellevue for the past 8 years. Lane and her brother, Oly, her partner and coach in her hip rehabilitation, would take invigorating walks together, often climbing several flights of stairs. Just as she did with her mother, it was Lane’s children and grandchildren who continued sharing their gifts of time. Attending local theatre productions, concerts, street fairs, and summer picnics in the park were all cherished outings. And of course dining at her favorite Mexican restaurant, El Tapatio!

In her twilight days, Lane was at peace with herself. She had seen everything she wanted to see, done everything she wanted to do, and traveled everywhere she wanted to go. Satisfied that everything in her life was good, she would say, “I’ve have had a good life. But, for cryin’ out loud, I’m 96 years old. The party is over and it’s time to go home.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, February 4, 2024 in Bellevue, Washington. Contact Columbia Funeral Home at 206-722-1100 or a family member for details.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Seattle Symphony, or Washington Tree Farm Program.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Leon Ufkes and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Leon B. Ufkes (1926-2023)

Tami Ufkes-Schendel and Mark L. Ufkes announce the recent death of their 96-year old dad. Leon was a resident at West Seattle’s Quail Park memory facility, where wonderful staff cared for him. Raised in Illinois on the family farm, at age 17, Dad enlisted into the US Navy during World War II. He was trained as a “fighting Seabee” Naval engineer, stationed in Guam, to prepare for the invasion of the main island of Japan. He was part of an engineering battalion slated to be in the third landing wave and was told that they could expect a 70% casualty rate. During final training, the US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, ending the war. Dad said many times that those atomic bombs saved his life. As a result, he dedicated his entire career to the nuclear industry.

After the war, Dad used the GI bill to attend Virginia Tech, completing a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. His first engineering job, at age 26, Dad was issued a “Q” top secret security clearance and was put in charge of a 5-person team to pack high explosives into atomic bombs that would be used to trigger the nuclear explosion. He was proud that his ideas were used to make the atomic bomb assembly process safer.

In 1954, he met and married Iris R. Adkins, his secretary (and our mom), who could type 90 words a minute on a manual typewriter, was a state-level women’s high school basketball star, and “had great legs and a beautiful singing voice”, according to Dad. In 1955, Dad was invited to the Hanford Nuclear reservation in Richland, Washington to assist in operating plutonium producing reactors built during the cold war with the Soviet Union. Dad was a lead Hanford operating engineer for much of his career, proud to have worked at historic B-Reactor, using the same office that famous physicist Enrico Fermi used in 1945 to help end World War II. Later, Dad did early work on the “glassification” of nuclear waste for safer storage.

Dad fell in love with the mountains of the west. We learned how to ski as we learned to walk, and constantly went camping in the Cascade mountains. As a family, we hiked most of the coast of Washington and climbed Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood a dozen times. Dad volunteered as a Scoutmaster, and for decades, lead a large group to summit Mt. Adams every Labor Day.

Dad became a single parent in 1972, when our spectacular mom died of colon cancer at age 43. Dad and Mom taught us that college education gives opportunities we can’t imagine. They were right. Between three children and six grandchildren, there are 14 college degrees, including four advanced degrees and two medical doctors. Collectively, our careers have allowed us to serve the human condition all over the US and the world.

Dad played tennis, loved dancing (“all the women want to dance with me, Mark!”), and walked 3 miles a day until age 84 when he was severely injured after falling off a roof while pruning a tree.

A memorial plaque for Mom and Dad was installed at the summit of the Candy Mountain Hiking Preserve, a park and 1.5 mile trail near Richland. His son Mark, and daughter-in-law Lois Schipper, used their 120 acres to help create a public park there instead of developing housing. Dad loved the fact that over 60,000 hikers climb Candy Mountain each year and can sit on beautiful basalt column benches at the summit, with a grand view of the mighty Columbia River, 1,000 feet above the town where Dad raised our family and served our country.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 6 to celebrate the life of Kevin Hamel, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Kevin Allen Hamel, 51, of Seattle, passed away on December 5, 2023. He was born on May 7, 1972, in Statesville, NC, to Jan Hamel.

Kevin served two years in the Air Force and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2017 from Seattle Central College. He had an exceptional career with Catholic Community Services, where he worked tirelessly to house homeless veterans and college students. Kevin’s dedication and hard work were recognized this year when he received the President’s Award for his outstanding service to CCS clients.

Kevin was a beloved son, a cherished nephew, and a dear friend to many. He had a warm and kind personality, always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Kevin had a passion for sports, particularly softball, and played on various teams in the Seattle area, including the Plastix.

He was known for his love of dogs, especially his beloved companion, Spencer. Kevin’s infectious smile and his penchant for hugging everyone he met endeared him to many.

He is survived by his loving mother and aunt, Jan Hamel and Pat Phillips, both of Statesville, NC, and many close friends in the Seattle area. Kevin will be dearly missed by his chosen family in Seattle, who loved him dearly.

A service and celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6th, at 1 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, located at 3050 California Ave SW.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Community Services in Kevin’s memory.

Please share memories and photos of Kevin on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Kevin-Hamel

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather December 15 to celebrate the life of Dorthy Johnson. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Celebration of Life – Dorthy Johnson, 5/10/1930-8/15/2023

Dorthy was born May 10, 1930, in Ulen, Minnesota. Moving to Seattle as a young girl, she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. She married Conrad in 1956 and moved to West Seattle. She remained a West Seattle resident until 2017 when she moved to Florida after being a snowbird for several years.

Dorthy was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Ellen Marie born in 1960 and Karen Marie in 1962. She’s Grandma to three: Joseph, Ian, and Sara. She was active in PTA at Lafayette Elementary School and with Girl Scouts as a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout Leader. She enjoyed her league bowling every Wednesday for years. She was a fabulous gardener, growing fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, and had the greenest lawn! Cooking was another passion, sharing her baked goods, jams, and jellies with all.

She was a faithful and decades-long member of Admiral Church, where she was the financial secretary for many years.

She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery on December 15, 2023 at 1 PM. Afterward, a Celebration of Life will be held at Admiral Church from 2-5 PM. Family invites all to come and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity, or hers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather December 9 to remember Dan Jackson. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:

Daniel J. Jackson passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 17th, 2023.

Dan was born on August 1st, 1950, in Hamtramck, MI to Marie Ladley and grew up in MI with his younger brother Bill Ladley until joining the Army in 1969 and being sent over to Vietnam. Upon his general discharge under honorable circumstances – and receiving an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for consistent acts of heroism and meritorious service – he returned to MI, started a career working on freighters around the Great Lakes (including underwater welding/diving), and having his first two children, Ian & Jenna, from his first marriage to Jan Webber. After that marriage ended, he fell in love with and married Lynn Taber from Grosse Pointe, MI, having his last two children, Brendan & Mairi, in the early ’80s and relocating to Seattle.  

In WA, Dan started what would be a life-long career with the Bellevue Water Dept. (where he would retire from in the 2000s) and was involved with activities such as coaching youth sports teams (baseball, soccer, basketball) outside of work. Another long-term passion of his that he discovered in WA was the beginning of his association with Hope Lutheran Church. It was at Hope that Dan found his calling through multiple avenues of ministry, including preaching, chanting, spearheading acolyte programs, participating in Elders, and eventually becoming a Deacon in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Ladley, and is survived by his wife Lynn, his four children, Ian (Paula), Jenna, Brendan, & Mairi (Duane), his six grandchildren, Robbie, Dea, Savannah, Aria, Aidan, & Lyric, his brother Bill (Marlene), his nephew Aaron, and scores of extended Reinhardt family members across the country and beyond. 

A funeral service honoring Dan will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW, on December 9th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception afterward at Hope North, 4100 SW Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hope Lutheran Church toward its future Hope North expansion program. 

Please share memories, condolences, and photos of Dan on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Daniel-Jackson * Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather December 2 to remember Nell Rehm. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community now:

Nell Adele Rehm passed away peacefully in her West Seattle home of 74 years with her husband Richardson (Dick) Rehm at her side. Nell was born on February 20, 1930 in Los Angeles, California, where she grew up with her older sister Margaret Anzul. She met Dick through the friendship of their mothers. He enjoyed meals with Nell’s family when he was home on leave from the Navy, thus their relationship blossomed. Dick and Nell were married on September 10, 1949 and moved to West Seattle promptly thereafter and started their family.

With two little daughters (Sue and Terrie), Nell began a life of involvement in the community and her children’s lives, from helping at the kids’ preschools, the girl’s scout activities, right up through cheering sons Tom and Dave in high school soccer – she was a true “soccer mom”. She also created a welcoming home full of games and books for friends of her kids, as well as her grandchildren Ian, Kaley, Kisa, Cecelia, and Simon.

As a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle, Nell was an active member. She taught Sunday School for many years and was very active in Saint Anne’s Guild. She and Dick participated in stewardship activities and new rector search committees, as well as serving as lay readers, Eucharistic ministers and vestry members. Nell enjoyed being a Eucharistic visitor, meeting with home-bound parishioners, as well as leading short services at nursing homes. On Sundays, and any special occasion at the church, you could find Nell in the kitchen coordinating coffee hour and receptions. During the annual Rummage Sale, Nell and long-time friend Donna Bystrom set up the Treasure Table with unique donated items. Nell was active in the Altar Guild and especially enjoyed creating floral arrangements for the altar, often with flowers from her own garden.

Although Nell was a stay-at-home mom when the children were young, she eventually took a seasonal job in the book department at Frederick & Nelson downtown. From there she had the wonderful opportunity to work with owner Cathy Clemons at the Episcopal Bookstore, which she dearly loved, and was well known for her helpful, kind presence.

Nell enjoyed travel, whether it was road trips around Washington with the family or train trips she took with Dick. The family spent many vacations at the family property on San Juan Island, but also at Lake Shawnigan on Vancouver Island, B.C. Road trips around the state always involved mom in the front seat with the map unfolded in her lap. Dick and Nell crisscrossed the country several times on the train, sometimes going across on the southern routes and sometimes up north through Canada. In later years, they went on several scenic train trips in Washington and on the Oregon coast.

Nell loved to garden. Her backyard was full of seasonal color and, in the front, she grew many beautiful roses. She was a member of the West Seattle Garden Club for many years, organizing programs and keeping records as the historian. At home, she enjoyed keeping her bird feeders well stocked for her feathered friends.

Nell is survived by Dick, her husband of 74 years, and four children: Susan (JT) Quanbeck, Terrie Ingram, Tom (Pam) Rehm and David Rehm; five grandchildren: Ian (Jena) Rehm, Kaley Rehm, Kisa Quanbeck (Desmond Cohen), Cecelia Rehm and Simon Rehm; and two great-granddaughters, Revna Cohen and Ruby Rehm.

A funeral service honoring Nell will be held at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave.SW, on December 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a remembrance to the charity of your choice.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

One week ago, we reported on the passing of Chas Redmond and his many years of extensive community involvement. Now his family has announced the plan for his celebration of life – 1-4 pm December 16 at the Senior Center of West Seattle – and is sharing his formal obituary:

Charles Roland Redmond III, born March 11, 1947, passed away Monday, November 6, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Wilber, and his two sons, Leif (46) and Adam (39). He died peacefully after suffering a stroke earlier in the year, which was followed by compounding health issues.

“Chas” was born in Wilmington, NC, and, as the son of a dad who worked for the US military, moved around a lot with his mother and two brothers. As a child, he lived in many places in the US as well as in other countries, including Morocco and southern France.

After graduating high school in Pennsylvania, Chas attended Penn State University in State College. During his studies, he became involved with the student-run radio station – the first indication of what would become a lifelong love of music. He spent the long State College winters searching within himself and later credited that time with sparking a never-ending journey to better understand reality, his place in the universe, and other philosophical questions.

After college, Chas volunteered for the Vietnam War. Because his brother Mike had already volunteered as a Marine and was stationed in Vietnam, Chas was sent to Korea, where he completed his service as administrative staff.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Chas was hired in Seattle as a reporter for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and quickly fell in love with the city where he would spend his final twenty years.

But first, he moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for the US Park Service on the National Register of Historic Places. He and Katherine met in DC, then both moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He was working as a public affairs officer on NASA’s Viking mission to Mars when Katherine became pregnant, and they named their first child Leif after the Viking Leif Erikson and in honor of the spirit of exploration, another of Chas’s many loves.

In 1980, they moved back to DC, where NASA’s headquarters is located, and they also welcomed son Adam to the family. When Chas wasn’t embedding himself into as many parts of NASA’s work as he was able to, he bicycled all over the city. Many summers, Chas led the family on cross-country road trips, including to places like Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and Big Bend National Park in Texas. Both sons inherited Chas’s love of and appreciation for nature. In his later years in DC, he “invented” panoramic virtual reality photos (photography was another of his passions) and created a series of interesting intersections from every quadrant of the city.

Chas retired shortly after becoming eligible, and after making sure he left his NASA colleagues with as much wisdom as he could offer, he and Katherine relocated to West Seattle. One of the pair’s first adventures was adding a second floor to the house, with Chas’s studio and the 3rd floor “tower” designed to maximize views of the water and the islands and mountains beyond.

In Seattle, Chas wasted no time getting involved wherever his interests led him, making valuable contributions across a wide range of community, music and art initiatives. From Westside Seattle: “Redmond was a three-time Chair of the City Neighborhood Council, a City-chartered citizen engagement organization, one of the founding members of Sustainable West Seattle, former board member and community map and trails collaborator for Feet First, former member of the Camp Long Advisory Council, and the live events and music producer for the Morgan Community Festival, the Alki Art Fair, the Delridge Day festival, and additional festivals throughout Seattle.”

Throughout his life, Chas could be found creating art – painting, drawing, constructing mobiles, making sculptures, and taking photos. He was also deeply involved in music, doing the sound for local bands (including the Slags and Sidesaddle Cowboys) and festivals. And he became well-known for melted crayon art and could be seen chatting with countless passersby while selling pieces during Art Walk.

Chas became a father-in law in 2008 and a grandfather in 2009, and embraced both roles with gusto. One particular highlight was getting to spend two weeks gallivanting about Seattle with his two granddaughters during the summer of 2019, and the trio spent their days sampling the city’s best croissants, touring nearly every park, and enriching themselves at the many museums. Chas also found ways to stay involved remotely: during the pandemic years, he and the girls engaged in Lego-building sessions via Zoom.

Chas will be dearly missed. His spirit of adventure, knack for storytelling, ingenuity in solving mechanical and electrical problems, eye for and appreciation of natural beauty, willingness to help friends, thoughtful gift-giving, tireless endurance for long bike rides and walks … All of these and more made Chas who he was. Though the world is a poorer place without his gifts, Chas’s loved ones go forward with gratitude for all he’s given them.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather this Saturday (November 18) to celebrate the life of Nancy Morrison. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:

A long-time resident of West Seattle, Nancy Morrison, passed away on October 30, 2023. She is survived by her daughter Alice Desgranges, grandchildren Emma, Nicolas Desgranges, and Anseland Davis Morrison.

In the 1930s, after living in Oregon and Montana, Nancy moved with her family to Seattle when her father accepted a position as pastor at the West Seattle Baptist Church. She attended Lafayette Elementary School and Madison Junior High School until World War II began. Nancy wrote in her diary, “War was declared, but they only expect it to last about two weeks.” When her predictions didn’t come true, her family moved to Hamilton Air Force Base in California, where her father served as Chaplain while her brother went to fight in Europe.

After the War, Nancy finished high school in Goldendale and then traveled throughout the United States as an intern for the American Baptist Convention. Following her internship, she attended Linfield College in Oregon. When Nancy was 24 years old and teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the prairie in Montana, her car broke down. She trudged through the snow to call for help and help came in the form of a husband. Jack W. Morrison was sent to give her a ride home, and they married in Havre, MT, in 1955. Nancy and Jack moved back to West Seattle, where they had two children, Mark and Alice.

A sociable community leader, Nancy Morrison was president of the PTA, President of P.E.O, a church leader and Sunday School teacher for 40 years, active in scouting, women’s democratic groups, and a long-term Women’s Health Initiative member. She loved meeting people and was ready to talk to anyone from her porch swing, at the grocery store, or during telephone calls filled with wit and wisdom. Nancy recently said, “I talked early and haven’t stopped talking since.”

Nancy had the privilege of being surrounded by a caring community of friends and neighbors. They exemplify the best a community can be. We are forever thankful for their support and friendship, which allowed Nancy to live her life on her own terms. She will be missed, but we know her faith has led her to a place of peace.

Memories of Nancy will be shared at a celebration of life on November 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at The Junction Church, 4157 California Ave SW. For more details, please email aliceamd@gmail.com.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Almost all the obituaries we receive for publication are for people. But every once in a while, there’s one like this:

“’Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.’” – A.A. Milne

Romeo’s Simple Twist of Fate, “Wilhelm”
August 21, 2007 – October 28, 2023

When Wilhelm came to live in West Seattle from Packwood, Washington, at seven and half weeks of age, he was smaller than the two resident cats, Emily and Gryphon, at his forever home. The residing dog, a big black lab mix named Tynan, took little speckled fluff ball puppy Wilhelm under his charge and became the perfect big brother. When Tynan passed away in 2010, it was Wilhelm’s turn to big brother it up! Wilhelm soon showed off all he had learned about being an exemplary sibling from Tynan when troublemaker adventure cat, Amelia, handsome corgi, Brychwyn, and big-hearted collie, Huxley, joined the family. While big brother Wilhelm was always smaller than his siblings, what he lacked in stature he made up for with smarts and heart!

Wilhelm did not just charm fellow animals as he was also fond of and adored by many, many people. Throughout his years of long walks from Morgan Junction through the Alaska Junction to the Admiral Junction, up and down Alki and Harbor Aves and Beach Drive, Lincoln Park to Fauntleroy Creek Park, and the Longfellow Creek Trail, neighbors stopped to say hello and pet super soft and friendly Wilhelm. Although Wilhelm took his walks, as well as stops at his favorite shops very seriously, and viewed behaving on them as one of his jobs, he especially liked visits with younger neighbors – there was no such thing as getting petted for too long or by too many kids!

Perhaps Wilhelm’s enjoyment of the company of children was in part because he was always young at heart and he loved and enjoyed the great big world as a child might. On travel adventures to 19 states and 2 provinces, Wilhelm appreciated the simple things, often closing his eyes and sniffing the breeze as his ears blew back. Wilhelm and family tent camped across the country once, and flew a second time. Despite having hiked the entire south rim trail at the Grand Canyon and twice visiting wonders like Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge, local travels were likely Wilhelm’s favorite. He followed snowshoe tracks up the Glade Trail on Mount Hood multiple times, walked First Beach from jetty to cliff dozens of times, and dipped his feet in the Columbia River at multiple Washington and Oregon stops. Yet through all Wilhelm experienced, nothing compared to simply crunching through the fallen autumn leaves.

Wilhelm, also known as Wilhelm von Dachshund, Wil, Willie, Wee Willie Winky, Little Bone, Dapple-y Dan, Little D, Pup ‘n’ Stuff, Captain Puppy, Man Bone, and so many more, was preceded in death and met over the rainbow bridge by Emily, Tynan, Gryphon, and his baby brother Huxley. Wilhelm is survived by Amelia, Brychwyn, his new kitten Amari, and his resident humans. Not only did Wilhelm know all of his nicknames but he was a Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog. He held titles in Rally, won ribbons in obedience, and took agility and nose work classes. Wilhelm’s release cue upon completing a task was “all done.” For 16 years, Wilhelm gave his whole big heart and small, fluffy body to being an outstanding brother, neighbor, travel companion, and giver of smiles to all he met… “all done, Wilhelm.” Thank you.

“…Felt an emptiness inside
To which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate…”

Wilhelm’s family is grateful to the caregivers at Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle Cardiology, Lap of Love, and Resting Waters. Actions in memory of Wilhelm should be to sniff the breeze, crunch in the leaves, and stop to say hello to your neighbors.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Kathryn Wells and sharing this with the community:

Born on February 5, 1947, Kathryn Anne Wells (née Schnabel), 76, of Seattle, passed away on October 19, 2023.

Kathryn is survived by her twin brother Tom, older brother Lawrence, two loving sons Sean and Casey, and grandchildren Cassidy, Riley, and Adam. Nana leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Kathryn graduated from Palisades High School in 1965. She had a passion for literature, music, and art, and for many years expressed herself through drawing and painting. She was kind and supportive in her relationships with family and friends, gentle and steadfast in her love for animals, and gracious and humble when enduring pain and disability.

A private memorial service will be held for her immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in her name to the Seattle Humane Society.

Kathryn will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were privileged to know her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

From her family: “Rebecca Hewitt was a lifelong Seattleite and had just moved to her home in West Seattle in early 2022. She absolutely loved living in West Seattle. Some of her favorite places were the West Seattle Thriftway, C&P Coffee, and West Seattle Nursery, among others. She also enjoyed the many friends she made on her ‘alley’ where her home was located. Her family would like to share her obituary with the West Seattle community”:

Rebecca Hewitt (77) passed away unexpectedly at her home in West Seattle on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

She was born in September of 1946 to parents Catherine (Baker) and Eugene Houplin at Madison Street Hospital in the heart of Seattle.

Rebecca graduated from Rainier High School in Des Moines, WA. She enrolled at Central Washington University, but before graduating returned to the Seattle area, where she met an aerospace industry engineer named George Hewitt. Becky and George lived in the same apartment building, The Ponderosa, in SeaTac. It was filled with a fun group of young singles, dubbed The Ponderosa Gang, who had such a blast together, going out dancing and throwing big parties.

Becky and George married on October 14, 1967 and raised three daughters. As a wife and mom, Becky modeled a fierce intellect, sense of justice, feminist ideals, and hunger for adventure. She was fun and funny, and actively and routinely sought out cultural experiences that stood well apart from life in suburbia.

When her girls were school age, Becky enrolled at the University of Washington and earned a degree in mathematics. Becky taught math at Bellevue College; students were treated to engaging classes and her contagious sense of humor and some kept in touch with her long after they left the classroom. Rebecca enjoyed word games and puzzles and she was an avid reader. Rebecca’s intellectual pastimes were equaled by her artistic talents. She ran a highly successful Etsy shop, selling beautiful crib blankets she meticulously stitched by hand. Everyone loved her beautifully handwritten notes, recipes, and sketches; every card she sent was a keepsake. Friends and family will always remember Rebecca’s delicious homemade meals, baked desserts, and jam. Other loves of Rebecca’s included gardening, live music, theatre, and travel. Rebecca visited her favorite city, Paris, several times. She also traveled across Canada by train to see the polar bears, and to Madagascar to see lemurs and other rare and endangered species.

Rebecca is survived by her husband George Hewitt; daughters Laura Hewitt Walker (Steve), Christa Fleming (Brian), and Emily Boyer (Sean); grandchildren Benji, Grace, Henry, Leo, Ella, and Annie; her close and treasured friends; and her beloved cat, Waldo.

Donations in memory of Rebecca may be made to ArtsFund (artsfund.org) or any of Seattle’s many other cherished arts organizations.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Phyllis Wharton and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Phyllis Joy Herald Wharton was born in Naches, Washington on February 16, 1937. She died peacefully on October 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family; exactly as she wished. Phyllis is survived by her three loving children, Gary (Betsy), Kathy (Scott), and Glenn (Debbie), 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, her sister Faye, numerous nieces, nephews and their families, and many friends who hold her fondly in their hearts.

Phyllis grew up in Naches with her parents Willis and Katie, brother Roy, and sister Faye. She graduated from Naches Valley High School in 1955 and went on to attend business college in Yakima, WA. Shortly after high school, Phyllis was introduced by mutual friends to Robert Russell Wharton. Phyllis and Bob quickly realized they were meant for each other and were married in 1957. They started their family the next year and happily became a close family of five. Those early years in Yakima were filled with family since Bob and Phyllis each had two siblings who lived locally.

Bob and Phyllis decided in 1965 to move their family to Seattle and bought a home in the heart of West Seattle, where members of the Wharton family lived for 30+ years.

The Whartons are a family who loved camping and over the years they stayed in campgrounds all over Washington state. Phyllis and Bob packed up the kids and took off for weekends, oftentimes meeting up with family members and giving their kids a chance to play with their cousins. Those travels also included many visits to Yakima and several trips to South Dakota, where Bob’s mother lived.

Bob passed away in early 1985, and Phyllis and her family became closer than ever as they grieved their loss. The family continued to grow as Gary and Kathy had both gotten married by this time and started families of their own. Phyllis relished being a Grandma and this introduced a new aspect of her life that she enjoyed until she passed away. The camping trips continued on through the years, with different logistics as babies were added and growing. Grandma Phyllis was always there to help with the grandkids!

Phyllis moved from her house to West Seattle Soundview Condominiums in 2007, quickly got involved in the Ownership Board and made dear friends throughout the building. She volunteered at the West Seattle Senior Center and continued her active social life by playing cards, going to happy hour, and spending time with family. In 2022 she moved to Wesley Homes, a senior living community in Des Moines. Phyllis quickly made more friends at Wesley and really enjoyed her Terrace apartment with a view of Mt. Rainier and a large deck to hold all the plants she loved to keep. Her outgoing nature and desire to volunteer fit in well with the Wesley community and she was beloved by many.

A Celebration of Life was held at Wesley Terrace on October 28th, where family and friends gathered to share fun and poignant stories about Phyllis and calm our grieving hearts. Although Phyllis’ passing left us all with a huge hole in our hearts, we are comforted by the knowledge that she lived a long, happy, and full life – and that she is with her forever love, Bob.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be directed to the Wesley Foundation wesleychoice.org/community-foundation

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)