Family and friends will gather Thursday to remember Gregory L. Bentler, and are sharing this with the community:

Greg passed away peacefully at home on June 6th, 2018, after a two-year battle with a brain tumor. He was born in Seattle on July 20th, 1974 to Wayne and Mary Bentler, along with his twin sister Elizabeth, joining sisters Christine and Sharon. He grew up in Arbor Heights, where he met his best friend Dan Vornbrock in kindergarten. Greg attended Holy Family Elementary and then Kennedy High School. He began working at MacDonald-Miller his senior year and continued on with MacDonald-Miller, where he completed an apprenticeship in sheet metal.

In 2000 he married his love, Kristin Keller. They were blessed with three children, Annie, Julia, and William, and settled in West Seattle to raise their family.

Greg was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and all outdoor adventures. He enjoyed fishing for salmon and halibut in Alaska and off the Washington coast, as well as fishing for trout in the state’s many lakes. He also enjoyed exploring back country trails on a quad or snow mobile.

Greg was a true family man who spent many summers camping with his friends and family carrying on the traditions of his childhood and creating new ones with extended family and friends. He was a true believer in the motto “work hard, play hard,” and an excellent provider for his family. He enjoyed taking his family crabbing and fishing in Puget Sound, which was often followed by a stop at the marina for ice cream. Winters included taking the kids to the mountains for ski lessons, inner-tubing, and picking out the perfect Christmas tree.

Three years after graduating from Kennedy High School, Greg bought his first real estate investment, which led to a successful career as a general contractor with his lifelong friend Dan. Restoring and remodeling houses led to the formation of Brace Point Carpentry and a focus on new construction.Greg took great pride in having designed the house currently under construction for his family.

Greg led by example. He was solid, kind and generous with his time and knowledge. No matter what time the phone rang he was willing to help. He was the one you called upon, whether in an emergency or simply for advice. Greg had a kind heart and touched everyone who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 14th at 1 pm at Holy Rosary Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance may be made to Cancer Care Alliance, Providence Hospice of Seattle, or Holy Rosary School.

Share Memories of Greg on the online guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services – West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A memorial service is planned June 16 for Erma Martin Couden, whose family and friends are sharing this remembrance of her long and eventful life:

Erma Martin Couden, an exemplar of love and peace, the matriarch of an extensive family, a former public-school teacher and librarian and a longtime activist in church and civic affairs, died May 24, 2018, at Horizon House in Seattle. She was 103.

In addition to her own accomplishments, Erma devoted herself, with her husband, Elliott N. Couden, to family matters and to the advocacy of civil rights and local heritage preservation, all grounded in the pursuit of caring human connections.

“I like to know people,” she reflected in 2010. “Love is basic in our lives and being positive. I think that is what I want people to do, is to find the positives.”

Erma Fannie Martin was born Jan. 13, 1915, in the town of Irondale, near the Missouri Ozarks, to William Henry Martin, stationmaster for Missouri Pacific Railroad, part-owner of the town bank and co-owner of a gas and oil distributorship, and his wife, Lulu Vahrenkamp Martin, homemaker and daughter of the town baker.

Fittingly, given Erma’s lifelong values, one of her ancestors was William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Lulu made sure that Erma and her younger sister, Alma, received post-secondary educations at Lindenwood College for Women (now Lindenwood University) in St. Charles, northwest of St. Louis, and both became teachers.

Erma received a bachelor’s degree in English literature and her teaching certificate from Lindenwood, a course of study that included a year at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In the summer of 1936, Erma met her future husband on a blind date. He was handicraft director for the Greater St. Louis Boy Scout Council’s summer camp in Irondale. With his guitar, Elliott serenaded Erma with “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie,” and a lifelong relationship was born.

Erma taught high-school English and advised the yearbook in Irondale before joining Elliott in Seattle. The two were married July 24, 1940, at First Methodist Church, Seattle’s oldest church.

They became deeply involved with Moral Re-Armament (MRA), an international moral and spiritual movement with “four absolutes”: honesty, purity, unselfishness and love.

In 1941, Erma and Elliott moved to the south end of West Seattle, between White Center and Arbor Heights, where Elliott sold real estate in the Fairchild Addition. They had a son in 1942 and daughters in 1943 and 1946 and joined Fauntleroy Church in 1948.

Erma became credentialed to teach in Washington and starting in 1951 was a third-grade teacher and later the librarian at West Seattle’s E.C. Hughes Elementary School.

It was a busy life. After school hours and on Saturdays, Erma worked as bookkeeper and manager of Elliott’s real-estate and insurance office in White Center. She also cooked dinners and made many of her children’s clothes.

Erma was a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, Job’s Daughters adviser and summer-camp cook. She served on YMCA and church boards and Seattle Public Schools advisory committees. She and Elliott ran dances and senior activities at Chief Sealth High School and advised the Fauntleroy Church youth group.

Challenges, including personal threats and financial pressures, came to the Coudens because of Elliott’s leadership roles with the Church Council of Greater Seattle and Seattle Human Rights Commission to support open housing in the 1960s. At one point, Erma returned to teaching after Elliott’s real-estate business plummeted as a result of his activism. She retired in 1975.

Erma also provided behind-the-scenes help to Elliott when he founded the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in 1984 and while he served the organization over the next 20 years until his death at age 93. He often credited Erma’s love, support and encouragement for his success.

The Coudens lived in Fauntleroy/Westwood, Admiral, and Alki, settling in later years near Morgan Junction. They supported South Seattle Community College, took time to get to know their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and traveled to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Canada and nearly every U.S. state.

Erma moved to Horizon House in February 2012, making new friends and becoming known for her capacity to smile, love and reach out to newcomers.

Besides Elliott, she was predeceased by sister Alma Rice (2014). She is survived by son William M. Couden (Judith), of Vallejo, Calif., granddaughter Nancy Williams of Poulsbo, great-grandchildren Luke, Sam and Abbie, and grandsons Rich Couden of Bothell, and Ron Couden of Seattle; daughter Virginia C. Stimpson, of Seattle, grandson Steven of Seattle, granddaughter Jennifer (Scott) Soule of Port Angeles, and great-grandchildren Maria, Kenny and Michael; and daughter Barbara Couden-Ochs (Steffen), of Boquete, Panama.

The memorial service for Erma will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Horizon House, 900 University St., Seattle.

Remembrances to Fauntleroy Church, UCC, 9140 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98136-2598 and Southwest Seattle Historical Society, 3003 61st Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116-2810.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are remembering Sue Rhoads, and sharing this with the community:

Betty Sue MacWatters Rhoads passed in peace and surrounded by love on May 21, 2018. We’re sure she has been embraced with joy by those who preceded her into Heaven, especially her beloved husband, Harold, her mother, Betty Rinaldo MacWatters, and sister, Colleen.

Sue was born on January 2, 1949 at St. Cabrini’s Hospital. She was a proud third-generation West Seattleite, graduating from Chief Sealth High School in 1967, marrying Harold at Hillcrest Presbyterian, and raising her own family in her treasured little home near the Junction.

Sue was a survivor. A gentle yet strong woman of uncompromising faith. She believed in the power of love and the healing virtue of forgiveness. Through her years of illness and pain, she never failed to be a light shining warmth and compassion to her family and friends, guiding them through their own life’s challenges.

Sue was a sunny optimist, a quiet comedienne and a stealth prankster. During difficult times, she chose to laugh rather than cry and refused sadness at her door, but welcomed good cheer and humor. Always, friend or stranger, had a seat at her table and the only requirement was kindness and conversation.

She is survived by her loving children, Rhonda and Ryan (Kyra), and six grandchildren, Eleza, Andrea, Ethan, Owen, Liam, and Gabriel. As well as sisters, Linda (Will) and Kathy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her life was her family. Our joy was her presence. We are learning to move forward without her light. It is still dark though.

A private service was planned this week, with a community memorial to follow this summer. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to the Surprenant and Hesse families for their love and support. Our mother cherished your friendship.

“Dear friend, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God … because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A memorial service is planned June 14th for Judith Ann Buls (Christoffersen). Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Judy passed away May 15, 2018 after a long illness.

Judy is survived by her daughter Marni Walter of Billings, her brother Jon (Joan) Christoffersen of Seattle, two grandchildren Jessika Furr of San Diego and Alexander Walter of Fort Bliss, TX, and two great-grandchildren Maegann Lowe (9) and Scyondrei Williams (18 mo).

Judy was born in 1940 in Coeur D’Alene to Arne and Mary Lou Christoffersen. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1959 and attended Washington State University. She was a flight attendant with Western and Horizon Airlines and worked for an oil company in Anchorage for many years. She returned to West Seattle in the 1980s where she cared for her mother until her death in 1992.

Judy loved her family and friends with her entire soul and lived life to her fullest. She loved shopping (boy, did she!), food, and traveling. She was a “foodie” before foodie was a word, and would make others ‘try a bite’ to expand their horizons. She traveled as much as possible. When she couldn’t travel any longer, she lived vicariously through the travel stories of others.

She will be greatly missed in our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW. Contributions to Providence Mount St. Vincent may be made in lieu of flowers.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A memorial service is planned June 2nd for Olive Wise Spannaus, whose family is sharing this remembrance with the community:

OLIVE WISE SPANNAUS
January 23, 1916, St. Louis, Missouri – May 10, 2018, Seattle, Washington

Longtime West Seattle resident Olive Wise Spannaus — child of God, friend, mentor, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, community volunteer, human rights activist, women’s movement pioneer, longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church, recipient of the Carrie Chapman Catt award of the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County, hymnwriter, and line dancer (beginning at age 80) — died peacefully May 10 at her home for the past five years, Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Olive was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, the Rev. Ruben Spannaus, her three siblings, and one grandchild. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Boots Winterstein and husband Paul of West Seattle; Edward and Nancy Spannaus of Lovettsville, VA; Timothy Spannaus and Collette Pariseau of Lathrup Village, MI; and Fredric Spannaus and Connie Requarth of Decatur, IL; nine grandchildren; 13 grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

A memorial service to which all are welcome will be held 12:30 pm Saturday, June 2, at the Pigott Chapel, Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Olive supported many worthwhile causes (just ask her postman!). Memorials may be made to: Education Fund, League of Women Voters Seattle-King County; Mary’s Place; Lutheran Community Services Northwest; Compass Housing Alliance; Hope Lutheran Church organ fund; Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation; or an organization of your choice.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

From Jenny and Gordy Mandt:

A massive thank you to our wonderful West Seattle community! Ian Mandt’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 5th at the Hall at Fauntleroy was attended by over 520 people of all ages and walks of life! The Mandt family and relatives were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. We had a clothing station where friends could take some of his clothes. All the remainder was donated to Denny Middle School. There were also stations to write or draw art, look at photo albums and a power point of pictures and videos of Ian’s life. The event couldn’t have happened without the many volunteers who showed up to help plus the incredible support from Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering at the Hall. If you were unable to attend and would still like to donate, you can do so to the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA, The Vera Project, or Youthcare Orion Center in memory of Ian.

Many thanks, Jenny and Gordy Mandt

Family and friends are remembering Robert J. Ross, Jr., and sharing this with the community:

Robert J. Ross Jr. 2/05/1955 – 4/01/2018

Beloved son, brother and uncle.

Rob graduated from West Seattle High School in 1973 and worked for several years before attending college. He graduated with a double major from the University of Washington. Rob worked with at-risk youth in Seattle at SEAMAR. An avid snow skier, bicyclist, soccer and baseball player in his younger years, Rob had lots of friends. Later in life he liked his solitude, but still attended Mariners games as well as local high-school games. He lived in and around West Seattle all of his life, coining himself “The Mayor of Alki.” Rob was a funny, kind, sensitive man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Rob was preceded in death by his father Robert J Ross. He is survived by his mother Frances Ross, sisters Kris Peterson and Megan Ross, niece Brynne Kelly (Pat), and nephew Sean Donovan. A celebration of life will be held in his honor this summer. Friends and family will be notified of date, place and time. RIP Robbie. We miss you.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather one week from tomorrow to remember Don Charles. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Donald Edward Charles, 2/26/1957-4/2/2018

Beloved son, husband, father, and Papa.

Don was a Navy Veteran who worked at various shipyards around Puget Sound and spent many years coaching youth sports.

Survived by his wife Lisa of 40 years, his parents Don and Marilyn, sisters Debra and Diana, and various aunts and uncles. Don had 5 children, DJ (Tara), Michelle (Mason), Kaitlin (Justin), Brentt, and Tumua. He also had 4 beautiful grandchildren, Kaleena, Mason, Kaeson, and Kailayah.

Don had an open-door policy and welcomed everyone in his home. He lived his life his way and will be greatly missed.

His memorial service will be held at The Cove in Normandy Park on April 15th @ 2 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A Celebration of Life is planned May 5th for 24-year-old Ian Z. Mandt, who died last week. His family is sharing this remembrance:

Ian Zachary Mandt
First day on earth, April 2, 1993
First day in heaven, March 24, 2018

Ian Zachary Mandt of West Seattle died on March 24, 2018, just shy of his 25th birthday.

Ian stuffed a lifetime of experiences into a short span of time. He loved to dance and sing, was an active and locally well-known skateboarder, and an artist and passionate letterer. Ian was playful and lived with a joyful heart, especially in his work with children at the West Seattle/ Fauntleroy, and Meredith Matthews East Madison YMCAs. Kids looked up to Ian because he understood them and inspired them with his positive personality and unique world view. Ian was sensitive, open, and generous with his time and creative energy, with his trademark huge smile for all who knew him.

Ian attended Arbor Heights Elementary and Pathfinder schools in West Seattle and graduated from Nova High School. In addition to the YMCA, he had worked in various skate shops, Carhart, and also for the Seattle Mariners. In his work with children and adults alike Ian was known as a “millennial whisperer,” one who seamlessly connected his generation with those that came before him and after.

Ian leaves behind his beloved parents Jenny and Gordy Mandt of West Seattle; his grandmother Judy and stepgrandfather, Hugh Bishop of Marblehead, MA; his uncle Robert, aunt Bo, and children Ryder, Clara, and Robyn in Altadena, CA; aunt Kristi Mandt of Normandy Park, and Leanne and Ben Ng and children Ben and Nicole of Juneau; and uncle Bill Mandt and Kathleen of Tacoma. He also leaves his many loving cousins Rachel and Cadence Tillman of Portland, OR; Jim, Kat and Mimi Tillman of Seattle, and many more from around the country; extended family, and a huge circle of friends from his various adventures and endeavors. We all love you, Ian. Your memory will continue to light up our lives.

An open house celebration is planned for Saturday, May 5th, 3-7 pm at the Hall at Fauntleroy at 9131 California Ave SW. Gifts that support the work Ian most loved would be greatly appreciated. Please consider sending a gift in Ian’s memory to one of these non-profit organizations: Orion Center
www.youthcare.org, Vera Project www.theveraproject.org, or West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA www.seattleymca.org.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather tomorrow to remember Richard A. Browne. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Richard A. Browne (Sept. 15, 1948 – Feb. 5, 2018) passed away after a long illness, leaving his wife of 43 years, JoAnn; his son, Adam (Erin); two granddaughters, Kailey and Brianna; his brother, Wayne (Char); as well as nieces and nephews.

Richard enlisted in the Air Force after high school and served in Vietnam. He loved fishing, woodworking and modeling, crafting many beautiful items over the years. He found the most joy raising his son and spending time with his grand girls, who he dearly loved.

Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Seattle VA Hospital and Providence Hospice for his care over the years.

Services at Tahoma National Cemetery on March 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with a gathering after at Alliance Bible Church near the cemetery. Arrangements by People’s Memorial Co-op.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather one week from today to remember Susan M. Stiller. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Susan Mary (Thomas) Stiller

Sue passed away unexpectedly on February 26 at age 67. She is survived by Thomas, her husband of 48 years, daughter Mary, and brothers Paul (Pam) Thomas and Richard (Barbara) Thomas.

She was raised in West Seattle, graduated WSHS in ’68, and retired from the VAMC, where she worked as a nurse. She had been a Hospice volunteer, member of US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and an altar server at Holy Rosary.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16, at Holy Rosary in West Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to seattlehumane.org or American Diabetes Association.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

This announcement is part obituary, part “how you can help.” It was sent on behalf of former Pathfinder K-8 teacher Chris Weaver‘s family, by a longtime friend of his who also was a Pathfinder teacher:

The Weaver Hudson Family Fund

Chris Weaver was a founding teacher of West Seattle’s Pathfinder School, bringing vision, energy, and love to establishing Pathfinder in its fledgling years. Chris deeply loved his community. He gave greatly of himself to his students, their families and the wider Pathfinder family. After teaching at Pathfinder for many years, Chris and his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina.

Three years ago, Chris was NC Charter School Teacher of the Year. In the years that followed what was a peak of his remarkable career, Chris struggled with depression and mental illness that culminated in his death on 9-20-2017. In spite of his own efforts and the profound efforts of others, this tragedy occurred. For his family, his students, his dear friends, and many, many others across the state, country, and world, Chris’s loss is felt deeply.

Chris’s warmth, intelligence, and boundless energy were renowned and he was beloved by all who knew him. His family meant the world to him and he to them. With his passing, Chris leaves behind his wife Rhett and their two sons, ages 15 and 20.

Their oldest son, who has made many films already with support from Chris over the years, is now in his junior year at the NC School of the Arts for film making. He has ongoing educational expenses including a need for equipment necessary for his burgeoning film career.

Their youngest son is a beautiful musician. Chris fostered in him a love of music, over the years helping with piano, guitar, and drum lessons. For their youngest son, these music lessons continue as will college expenses in the future.

To honor Chris’s love for both family and education in a future where he can no longer offer support, The Weaver Hudson Family Fund has been established to support his sons’ education and to facilitate their well-being over time. Their mother, Rhett, and a trusted friend will manage the funds and be responsible for monitoring expenses.

Chris’ family deeply appreciates any and all assistance to help ensure they have the resources they need. You can give through these avenues:

1. Go online to https://igg.me/at/FH5IwfnouGc to donate at our generosity.com website, or

2. Send a check made payable to “The Weaver Hudson Family Fund” and mail to: Weaver, PO Box 18344, Asheville, NC 28814

Please know what a difference this will make for the Weaver Hudson family. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

The family of Dr. Dale F. Rudd is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Dr. Dale F. Rudd, 83, professor and research scientist who spent his retirement years in West Seattle:

Many in West Seattle likely remember Dale as the friendly and always upbeat elderly man in the fedora who was a regular walker in the Seaview and Beach Drive neighborhood. He passed on in February after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, leaving behind his beloved wife, Sandra, and two children, Karen and David.

Dale was born and raised in a Scandinavian-American family in Minneapolis Minnesota. He received his BS with distinction and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He taught at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he met and married his Sandra, before joining the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At the University of Wisconsin, he was the Donald C. Slichter Professor of Engineering Research and became internationally known for his influential work in process engineering and computer systems. University of California Vice President and Provost C. Judson King called Rudd’s research “truly pioneering and important.”

Rudd co-wrote numerous university textbooks, including the first textbook in process engineering, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the Washington State Academy of Sciences. He won many awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, Outstanding Educator in America, Byron Bird Award for Excellence in Research Publication and the Benjamin Smith Reynolds Award, and was a visiting professor at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Despite his professional accomplishments, his friends and family knew him as a kind, humble man, with a dry sense of humor and always positive view of life, who enjoyed woodworking, canoeing and the outdoors, and spending time with his family and dogs.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are remembering Joyce Carfrae, and sharing this tribute with the community:

Joyce Carfrae, 83, of West Seattle, died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease on February 18, 2018. Her daughters were with her when she peacefully passed.

Joyce was born in Seattle on September 19, 1934. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1953. She married George, who preceded her in death (2012), on April 23, 1954. George and Joyce lived most of their married life in the Alki area.

When her children were young, Joyce was active in the elementary PTA and was a Camp Fire Leader. Joyce was an avid reader. George and Joyce enjoyed walking, spending time together at their lake property, made several trips to Maui and on an Alaskan cruise. They were members of Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ. They also played an active role in the lives of their young grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Carol Pennie (Jim) and Carrie Ferrulli; her Grandchildren Victoria and William Ferrulli, Catherine and Michael Pennie; her brother Bruce Thomason (Barb); her sister-in-law Susan Thomason and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. A memorial gift in Joyce’s name can be made on www.alz.org.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

From the son of longtime West Seattleite Darrell Burleigh:

I just wanted you to know that my father passed away recently.

He was more than just the best dad a son could hope for. He was a great man. He led by quiet example. He touched many lives and everyone liked him.

I’m sure he will be remembered by those who worked alongside him at the West Seattle Post Office, his friends at the West Seattle Golf Course, most recently those he helped at the Granada condos, and fellow residents at DayStar Assisted Living. For all of his adult life, he was a member of the West Seattle Christian Church. His life was Christ-like.

Plans for a memorial or funeral service are pending.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Next Saturday, family and friends will gather to remember Francis “Frank” Keller. Tonight, they’re sharing the story of his life – from statewide political involvement to a woodworking hobby that inspired a public artwork you’ve likely seen:

Born on May 1, 1924, in Mitchell, South Dakota, he attended a one-room school house and worked on his parents’ farm until he left home as a teenager.  Frank hitchhiked across the country to Seattle, finally settling in Bremerton in the 1940s.  He joined the Navy at 18, during World War II, and was sent to serve in the Pacific on the USS South Dakota. 

In 1944, he returned to Bremerton and married Viola (Sally) Gonzales.  They had a child, Patricia Lee, and ran a restaurant on Bainbridge Island named The Hi Shoppe. It was the place to hang out then.
 
Frank and Sally divorced in 1945, and Frank went to work for Pepsi.  He married Betty Horton in the 1950s.  While working as a truck driver at Pepsi, he commuted to Seattle University on the ferry at night, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1961.  He had three children then, Cindy, Francine and Mary Lisa.   By that time, Frank had been attracted by the excitement of politics.  He was selling insurance to support his family, but also got involved in local election campaigns.  The family increased by one, with the birth of his son, Robert.    Betty passed away in 1964. 

At this time, Frank was elected State Chair of the Democratic Party and he relocated his whole family to the house in West Seattle in 1965.  He married Carol Grabner in 1965, and they were married until 1968. 

Frank continued his commitment to politics and was Democratic State Chairman throughout the 60’s, when he managed the reelection campaigns of US Senator Warren Magnuson, gubernatorial campaigns of Albert Rosellini and Dixy Lee Ray, as well as fundraising and doing advance work for the presidential campaigns of Robert and Ted Kennedy, then Henry Jackson.  It was an exciting life, and Frank was the chair of the Washington State delegation to the Democratic convention several times. He even attended the Presidential Inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

At the end of the ’60s, Frank tried to settle down to more stable work, first working for the newly formed Office of Emergency Preparedness, but being a bureaucrat was not his calling.  He eventually went back to Pepsi as sales manager for Glacier Beverages in Rainier Valley, where he met the love of his life, Joanne Welch.  They married in 1969, and the Keller clan became a family of 9, adding Carolann and Jim, launching Frank into his next chapter.  All the younger six kids lived in the house until reaching adulthood, then came back often with their children and even grandchildren. 

Frank got laid off from Pepsi in the ’70s.  He used his political and business experience as an opportunity to launch a consulting and lobbying venture.  He enjoyed much success with such clients as the Washington State Superior Court Judges, the beverage industry, the vending machine industry, among others.   He was named several times to the list of Top Lobbyists in Washington State.  Frank was known as a straight talking, honest person, and always told it like he saw it.

When Frank retired from politics and lobbying, he took up woodworking, reaching back to his younger days as an apprentice cabinetmaker.  He started making wooden toys, wooden ornaments, jewelry boxes, and even furniture.  All from scrap wood that he would find in different places, and has supplied so many family and friends with his amazing creations. He has given toys to many organizations that help children, hoping to bring some happiness to those who might not be as blessed.    His fire truck gift to the West Seattle Fire Station was the inspiration for the artist who created the West Seattle Fire Station 32 sculpture, unveiled just this past year. 

Frank and Joanne also did some traveling, going back and forth to Hawaii almost every year, among other places.   Frank also spent many years going to the West Seattle YMCA for his daily workout and sauna, and became somewhat of a fixture there.    

When Joanne had her stroke in 2001, Frank assumed the role of devoted caretaker.  He would be by her side daily, ever diligent to make sure that Joanne had what she needed.  They were the storybook example of love, and his world revolved around her until she left us in 2008. 

After Joanne passed, Frank was lifted up by the love of his family.  He would get joy from watching all the grandchildren grow up and celebrate their life landmarks.  He even was able to hold and play with his great granddaughter, which brought him so much happiness.  He would sit in the living room nightly, sipping his bourbon (or two), eating his chocolates and watching CNN.  He would have questions or comments about the state of the world, and would let us know what he thought. 

Frank Keller lived large — he filled up the room when he was in it.  There is a big gap in our lives now that he is gone, but the lessons he taught and the memories he made will be with us always.  Go in peace, Dad, we love you and miss you.

Frank’s memorial Mass is on Saturday, January 20th, 11 am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle. In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family would ask that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the Seattle YMCA

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(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Over the holidays, we reported the sudden passing of Dorothy “Dotty” Spadoni Hughes, and now, with services next Saturday, here’s the full remembrance being shared by her family:

Dotty was born in Seattle on January 5, 1952 to Henry and Dorothy (Barbour) Spadoni. She was the seventh of ten children. Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jim and Dick (Carol) Spadoni, and her sister Colleen Gannaw. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years Daniel Allen Hughes, her daughters Amy (Andy) Zottman, Bridgett (Ron) Cabiles, son Joseph Hughes, and “children by choice” Pamela Mead and Jamie Edwards. Also survived by her siblings and in-laws Jeanne (Ray) Dondanville, Kay Spadoni, Don (Judy) Spadoni, Marianne (Dan) Harden, Irene (Doug) Garvey, Betty Spadoni, John Gannaw, Steven Spadoni, Gary Hughes, Kevin (Fae) Hughes and Brian (Helen) Hughes. Dotty has six grandchildren – Malia and Eliana Zottman; Leila and Vanessa Cabiles; Ysun Mead and Rosalina Woods – as well as 19 nieces, 11 nephews, and 31 great-nieces and nephews.

Dotty attended both Holy Rosary Elementary and High School in West Seattle. Although Dan and Dotty attended the same elementary school and lived within blocks of one another, they happened to meet on the shores of Birch Bay in 1966. They fell in love and were married on June 23, 1972. The real and lasting love of Dan and Dotty laid the foundation for their beautiful family. Dotty began her West Seattle banking career in her early 20s. Honest, hardworking and intelligent, she progressed from teller at Westside Federal to Vice President at Washington Federal. Along the way, she developed lasting relationships with her clients who would loyally follow her wherever she went. Dotty was long active in the community as a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of West Seattle.

Dotty was a devoted wife, a generous mother and treated everyone as if they were family. The essence of her being was to show all she encountered love, compassion and support. Famous for hosting showers, birthdays and holiday parties, Dotty was at her happiest when her home was full of people and chaos. She loved to cook and entertain, burn her candle on both ends, and only allowed herself to relax when she travelled to her favorite place, Lake Chelan. After working all week, Dotty chose to spend her free time doting on her grandchildren and cooking elaborate Sunday dinners for her family.

Dotty passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2017, after a brief illness, leaving a hole in her family that can never be filled. Although taken too soon, we take comfort in the fact she happily lived life exactly her way.

Services will be held Saturday, January 13, at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle. A Rosary will be said at 10:00 am; the Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am; and a reception will follow immediately in Holy Rosary’s Lanigan Center. A private family internment will be held at Forest Lawn Mausoleum at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medic One.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather on January 14th to remember and celebrate the life of John Frederick William Horner. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

John Horner was born in London, England. As a child, John was part of Operation Pied Piper, the evacuation of children to the countryside during World War II. He spent several years living with families in rural England before returning to his parents in London.

John served for 8 years in the British Army “Royal Signals” in the post-war occupation of Germany and Italy. He was in an Airborne division and made many parachute jumps in training. John immigrated to America in 1954 with his first wife, Maisie, and lived on Long Island, New York until 1967, when he moved to California. He married Norma, his second wife, in 1970, and they moved to Seattle in 1994 to be close to Norma’s family.

In his early years in the U.S., John first worked in a metal-fabrication shop operating a drill press, and then through a family connection got a job in electronics assembly in the home of Saul Marantz, who had recently started his audio products engineering company. (Yes, that Marantz!) He learned electronics, and then switched to software, and became a programmer and eventually an IT Manager in the aerospace industry until he retired in the late 1980s.

In addition to computers and electronics, John had many interests over his lifetime, including art, astronomy, and firearms. He even relived his old Army days by celebrating his 80th birthday with a tandem jump from 13,000 feet! He made a few solo jumps after that, until he broke his leg on a hard landing. But John’s greatest passion was his music. He loved listening to all types of music and loved playing his autoharp every day. John was very active in the Northwest autoharp community for many years, and even wrote a song that was published in the Autoharp Quarterly magazine.

John was preceded in death by his brother Robert Horner, and is survived by his stepson Jon Diemer and wife Martha, his grandchildren Kristin Russell and Neil Diemer and their families, his sister-in-law Nan Allen, and several relatives in England. His many West Seattle neighbors were like an extended family for John, and he deeply appreciated their friendship and support over the years.

John was 89 years old when he passed away, and had achieved his goal of living independently until the very end! A memorial and celebration of John’s life is planned for Sunday, January 14th, from 2-4 PM at his house in West Seattle.

Please share memories and condolences on the online guestbook at emmickfunerals.com. Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral & Cremation Services of West Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Saturday to remember Captain Ray Armitstead. The obituary that his daughter sent to us this morning also turns out to be a followup on an incident reported here a month ago:

On December 5, 2017, WSB published a photo sent to you of a car on the sidewalk going up Glenn Way. In that car was my dad, Captain Ray S Armitstead. He was 91, born and raised in West Seattle.The EMT were able to get a pulse and took him to Harborview, where he passed away about an hour later. My mom always said he had an angel on his shoulder. That angel was with him in his 35 years at sea and there right to the very end. The police officer, who came to our door, said no citations will be issued, no one and nothing was hit. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, InaRuth, daughter Marybeth, son Daniel, daughters Martha and Joyce.

We’d like to invite any who knew him to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Dakota Place Park, 2 to 4 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Over the holiday, we reported the passing of Dotty Hughes, known by many for her community service as well as her management of the Washington Federal branch north of The Junction. We promised an update when there’s information on services – and a family member tells us today that they are set for Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle on Saturday, January 13 – rosary at 10 am, Mass at 11 am, and a reception in the gym at noon. Ms. Hughes was 65 years old.

Family and friends will gather Thursday in memory of Janis D. Logan. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Longtime West Seattle resident Janis Darlene Logan passed away in her home on December 27, 2017, after a long illness. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 23, 1940, and moved to Washington after WWII. She met and married the love of her life, Mead Logan, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She was blessed to have 3 children who all survive her: Kevin, Derek (Pam), and Erin Guffey (Mike). Additionally, she had 5 grand-children – Nicole (JR), Johanna, Aidan, Ally, and Annabel – along with 2 great-grandchildren, RJ and Logan.

Janis was a parishioner at Holy Rosary in West Seattle for many years and filled many volunteer roles, the most special one as a Eucharistic Minister. She served those parishioners who were homebound and in her last couple of years, participated in the sacrament in her own home thanks to other visiting Eucharistic Ministers.

Janis spent many years volunteering at Holy Rosary School as 4 of her grandchildren attended. She also ran “Granny’s” day care, providing day-to-day caregiving to her grandchildren. She was giving of herself in so many ways and has created many lasting memories for her family.

Janis was often the life of the party and loved to host gatherings in her home. She loved to celebrate all holidays and events with gusto, often embracing the décor of the season. She always had matching paper plates, napkins, and table décor. Most special are the family get-togethers she hosted over the years. There was lots of love and laughter shared as bets were placed on how late Janis would actually be to start the party.

Please join her family and friends at Holy Rosary Church for her funeral mass on Thursday, January 4th, at 9:00 am. A reception will follow in the parish reception room.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you donate to your favorite charity. They would like to thank Father Oakland and Howden-Kennedy, who have been most helpful during this time.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are mourning a beloved member of the West Seattle community. We’ve learned that Dotty Hughes died on Tuesday.

Many knew her as the longtime manager of the Washington Federal branch north of The Junction. She had been with the company for more than 20 years; her staff at the branch told us she had been planning to retire soon.

Ms. Hughes was also long active in the community, including involvement with organizations including the Rotary Club of West Seattle and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. And a longtime friend who contacted us about Ms. Hughes’ passing remembers her as “one of the most thoughtful, kind, and loving souls I knew.”

We hope to have more information soon, including memorial details; we are told that arrangements are being handled through Dignity Memorial.

(UPDATED JANUARY 8TH with Celebration of Life information)

A graveside service is scheduled Thursday, and Celebration of Life next month, for William (Bill) Carpenter. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Bill passed away December 20, 2017 at the age of 87.

Bill was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to Mary and Gordan Carpenter and was one of 10 children. Bill attended Emmetsburg High School and Junior College and then proudly joined the US Navy and served in Pearl Harbor during the Korean Conflict from 1951 – 1955.

In 1952 Bill met and later married his soulmate for life, Alice Joy (Iden) Carpenter, and together they raised their family in Seattle.

Bill is survived by his three daughters, Kathleen, Colleen, and Maureen, and his two sons-in-law, Dan and Dave, as well as his two brothers Joe and Bob, and many nieces and nephews, who all loved him so much. Bill had 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Alice.

There will be a graveside service at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery on December 28, 2017 at 11:00 and a celebration of life later in January.

(ADDED) The celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 12-4 p.m. at the VFW hall (3601 SW Alaska St.).

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)