CLARAELLEN COLLINS ANDERSON ’54 died Sept. 27, 2021, at the age of 90. Born and raised in Montana, ClaraEllen graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in education. After graduating, she taught third grade at Russell and Hedges elementary schools, in Missoula and Kalispell, respectively. She married Jerome “Jerry” Anderson in 1964, and they became parents to two daughters. After Jerry died in 1971, ClaraEllen returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher. She was also a 4-H leader, skilled seamstress, and crocheted and knit many prayer shawls for those in need. ClaraEllen was also an accomplished pianist. She gave private piano lessons to numerous students and was an active member with the Flathead Valley Community Concert Association. She sang in her church choir and sang weddings and other special occasions. ClaraEllen was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, SueEllyn, died Sept. 28, 2021, the day after her mother died. ClaraEllen is survived by her daughter, JERI ELLEN ANDERSON ’90, and a granddaughter.
ROXI ANTHONY ’90 died Jan. 8, 2022, at the age of 77. A native Washingtonian, born and raised in Bellingham, Roxi graduated from Bellingham High School and married Roger Anthony in 1963. They had three children between 1965 and 1975. By the time her youngest child was a teen, Roxi attended SPU, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education. She went on to teach taught elementary school for the Mukilteo School District. Roxi was preceded in death her husband of 58 years, Roger, and she is survived by her three children, three granddaughters, a sister, and numerous relatives.
VIRGINIA HAYDEN BAIMA ’79 died Nov. 25, 2021, at the age of 64. Born in Vancouver, Washington, graduated from Fort Vancouver High School, where during her senior year she was voted “Most Lovable” by her peers. The summer following her senior year of high school, she was selected as one of two delegates to represent her state at the National Youth Science Camp, a STEM honors program, where she met her future husband, John Baima. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Education from Seattle Pacific University in 1979 and utilized this degree to homeschool her three children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Virginia loved to read her Bible and pray with and for others. She served with Moms in Prayer International for over 20 years and faithfully supported her church family and missionaries through prayer. Virginia was kind, compassionate, a friend to all, and deeply loved her immediate and extended family. She was active in her church and spent over 20 years volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center. Virginia is survived by John, her husband of 42 years, two daughters and a son, five granddaughters, and a brother and sister, JUDITH HAYDEN LINDEKEN ’74.
LARRY BANKS ’68 died Jan. 7, 2022, at the age of 78. Born in Redwing, Minnesota, he was one of 13 children and grew up on a dairy. Following high school, Larry graduated from the California Lutheran Bible School, and he received degrees from the University of Minnesota and Seattle Pacific College. He added post-graduate work at Pepperdine University. Throughout his adult life, Larry was a high school teacher and public servant. He was a full-time a teacher at South Torrence High School in California and as a substitute teacher for various school districts in Illinois. Larry served his community as the executive director of the Clyde Park District and as a business-license inspector for the town of Cicero. Larry also served 11 years on the Cicero board of trustees. He was proud to be an elected official and serve the residents of Cicero. He especially had a passion for improving the lives of the special needs residents. Larry enjoyed coaching his children and their friends when they played on the Cicero American Legion Baseball team, the Little League South Cicero baseball, and Our Lady of Charity basketball team. An avid sports fan, he cheered for his Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Yet Larry was also passionate about his horses. Although he had worked with horses in his youth, he began training, driving, breeding, and owning racehorses in the 1970s. He would continue racing horses for the next 50 years and cherished all the many friendships and memories made along the way. Known around the Chicago racing circuit as “The Green Man,” Banks will forever be linked with his favorite horse, Dr. E.K. Buckley. Larry is survived by his wife, Susan, two daughters and three sons, 15 grandchildren, three sisters, three brothers, and many extended family members and friends.
PERLA BELO ’70 died Dec. 5, 2020, at the age of 82. The eldest of seven siblings, Perla was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and majored in piano at the University of Philippines. She immigrated to the United States in 1962 to earn an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. While at Fuller, she met GASAT BELO ’58, who was also earning an MDiv. Perla and Gasat married in 1966 and that same year, they bought a house one block from Seattle Pacific College. She attended SPC, earned a teaching certificate, and began teaching music in the Seattle Public School District. Perla taught music, piano, and led the choir at Blaine Memorial Methodist Church in Beacon Hill. Later she earned a Master’s of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Perla was ordained at University Presbyterian Church/UPC, becoming the first Asian woman to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA. She then became an associate minister at University Presbyterian, where she and Gasat created the International Friendship House at UPC, a ministry and a place of housing for international students studying at the University of Washington. They also helped found the Filipino American Christian Fellowship in the U-District, now located in Lynnwood, Wash. In 1990, she became the director of Asian Ministries for the American Baptist Churches USA headquarters in Valley Forge, Penn. She retired 14 years later, returning to her home on Queen Anne. Perla loved to sing, play the piano, go to the opera with her son, ballet with her daughter, cook, read, watch Dancing With the Stars, and travel the world. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she looked forward to decorating the tree. Perla passed away peacefully at her home on Queen Anne Hill, which she and Gasat had built in 1976, just a few blocks away from their first home. Perla is survived by her husband, Gasat, a son and daughter, and two grandsons.
DENNIS BOGART CC ’66 died Sept. 24, 2021, at the age of 79. Born in Wenatchee, Washington, Dennis was a lifelong Washington resident, with the except of his time attending Cascade College in Portland, Oregon. Dennis married MARY CARLSON CC ’65 on July 6, 1963, in Portland. He was a manager at Washington DSHS from 1966 to 1998, when he retired. Dennis’ favorite pastimes included music, singing with a variety of groups and ensembles (often including family), attending car shows, and watching the Mariners. He was a member of Mountain View Church of the Nazarene, in Tumwater. Dennis is survived by Mary, his wife of 58 years, three sons and a daughter, nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters.
IRVIN BYERS ’60 died Jan. 18, 2022, at the age of 84. Irvin was born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington. After graduating from Seattle Pacific College, he earned a master’s degree in San Diego, California, and began his teaching career in Longview, Washington. Irvin also taught in Eastern, Washington, and Oceanside, California. He retired in Salinas, California. Irvin enjoyed traveling and singing with his family throughout the United States, and he and his wife, Sherrill, were active in RV MAPS. The Lord was first in Irvin’s life. He taught Bible studies and served on the board of First Assembly of God Church. He would often find places to play the piano and lift up that name of Jesus. Irvin preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, and a daughter. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sherrill, four daughters, 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two sisters.
MARK DENHAM ’66 died Nov. 22, 2021, at the age of 77. Born in Eugene, Oregon, Mark graduated from North Eugene High School in 1962, and then earned a degree in biblical literature and missions from Seattle Pacific College. While a student at SPC, he met SUSAN WILSON ’68, and they married in 1968. Mark attended Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, graduating in 1970, with an MDiv. The couple then moved to the Bothell, Washington, area, where Mark pastored the Northshore Free Methodist Church. He went on to pastor Free Methodist churches in Buckley, Longview and Omak, and then the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Burlington. He retired in 2009. Mark enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, and outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and camping. His greatest desire was for people to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Mark is survived by his wife of 53 years, their three sons, and their families.
PAUL EMBREE ’48 died Sept. 11, 2021, at the age of 95. Born in Share, Nigeria, to parents who served as missionaries, Paul was raised in the United State by an aunt and uncle, due to high infant mortality rates in Africa. He lived with his parents when they were on furlough to the U.S. and throughout his high school years in Yakima, Washington, when his parents were stateside during World War II. While at SPC, Paul met ESTHER CORSON ’49, and they married in 1950. In addition to graduating from SPU, Paul served in the U.S. Army, and graduated from McGill University School of Medicine in 1952 with his MD. He and Esther entered the mission field through the Free Methodist Church and were appointed to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). While there, Paul developed hepatitis and recovered while working as a staff physician for the Ahwahnee TB sanitarium. By 1955, the couple had three children, and Paul served at Chikombedzi Mission Hospital, Southern Rhodesia. For the next 11 years, he was the only physician serving the Xangaan people. While there, he also oversaw the building of two hospital wings, installation of running water, and installation of a sewer system (with three ponds). He was assisted by two missionary RNs, and together they trained a cadre of national staff to take X-rays, run a lab, and treat clinic and hospital patients daily. Paul also led the men’s Bible study and participated in the local church. In 1969, he and his family moved to serve at the Greenville Mission Hospital in South Africa. Once their children reach college age, Paul and Esther returned to the United States, settling in Modesto, California, where he joined the staff of Scenic General Hospital. While there, he developed an expertise in orthopedics, focusing on low-back pain and chronic pain. He developed a series of classes for his chronic pain patients and gave seminars to them on dealing with their pain. He stayed a part of the residency program until his retirement in 2003. He then went on many short-term mission trips, including back to Chikombedzi to help reopen that hospital after the war of independence, to Burundi after the 1994 genocide, and to a mission hospital in Haiti. As a part of the Modesto Free Methodist Church, he actively promoted missions. He also served his church at the conference and national levels in various administrative capacities. An active outdoorsman, Paul climbed Mt. Whiney in 1975, Mt. Rainier in the 1980s, and Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1995. In Modesto, he kept an orchard and vineyard and bred llamas. In June 1999, he and his wife, Esther, were honored at the 50th reunion of the Class of 1949 with Medallion Awards for serving as international medical missionaries for 13 years in Africa. Preceded in death by ESTHER CORSON EMBREE ’49, his wife of 69 years, Paul is survived by son C. DAVID EMBREE ’74, daughters MARTHA EMBREE RORABAUGH ’75 and RUTH EMBREE SCHALE ’76; 10 grandchildren, including BETH RORABAUGH SCHAAFSMA ’08, DANNY RORABAUGH ’10, STEPHEN SCHALE ’11, and PAUL SHALE ’10; six great-grandchildren, and many extended family members.
BETHANY WATHNE ERICKSON ’07 died Aug. 22, 2021, at the age of 35. Born in Everett, Washington, Bethany graduated from Everett High School and from SPU with a BS in biology. While working as a supervisor at Starbucks, she met Jonathan Erickson. They married in 2016 and became parents to a daughter. Bethany’s latest employment was in the Pavilion for Women and Children at Providence Hospital in Everett, where she was a behavior therapist for children with autism, a profession she had practiced in other settings. At home, Bethany enjoyed taking their daughter, Maddie, to the zoo, the Pacific Science Center, and the beach. Disneyland and the town of Leavenworth were also favorite destinations. Her activities revolved around her extended family and many friends. She enjoyed decorating her home and cooking old family recipes. Bethany was known for having a radiant smile and a witty repartee, holding sincere conversations about life, and showing genuine compassion. A friend said that she gave “the best hugs ever.” Bethany died after a five-year fight against neuroendocrine cancer. She is survived by her husband, Jonathan, daughter Madelynne Grace, her father and stepmother, her mother and stepfather, and four brothers, one of whom was her twin.
SARAH EWERT ’17 died Nov. 23, 2021, at the age of 27. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Sarah spent her preschool years in Indiana and Kazakhstan. She moved with her family to Redding, California, when she was a 5-year-old, and she eventually graduated from Shasta High School. Sarah participated in cheerleading, dance, and soccer throughout her youth. Sarah moved to Seattle and studied history at Seattle Pacific University. After graduation, she entered the banking industry, where she enjoyed serving the public and her co-workers at Chase Bank. Sarah loved international travel and visited five of the seven continents. She was full of energy, rooted for the underdog, was a music connoisseur, a playful jokester, and a lover of animals. Sarah is survived by her fiancée, Taylor Vetter, mother, father and stepmother, sister, stepsister, grandmother, grandfather, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
DAVID GRANT ’67 died Feb. 25, 2022, at the age of 77. David was born in La Grande, Oregon, and moved with his family to Scappoose, Oregon, where he eventually graduated from high school. David came to trust Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and taught Sunday school and was in leadership of the school Youth for Christ Club. Track and cross-country became a big part of his life leading him to Seattle Pacific College before he then attended Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in preparation for ministry. He joined the staff at First Baptist Church of Marysville in May 1970 as youth/associate pastor, and he married CAROL EASTON ’68 in August that same year. In February 1973, David became the church’s senior pastor. In 1984, he received his doctorate of ministries in servant style leadership from the California Graduate School of Theology, and he served there until October 1989. After a three-year sabbatical, he joined the staff of Northshore Christian Church in south Everett, Washington, in June 1992. Dave was affectionately known as “Pastor Dave,” and he used his life experiences for encouragement and care for others as pastor, counselor, life coach. In June 2015, David retired from NCC, and then served as part-time discipleship pastor for Jesus Online Ministries until April 2018, seeking to help people take their next faith step. In June 2017, Dave was diagnosed with fronto temporal deterioration; he lost his ability to speak, write, and balance himself as the disease progressed. David is survived by his wife of 51-years, CAROL EASTON GRANT ’68, children AMY GRANT SCHERRER ’95, Matthew, and Kristin, nine grandchildren, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews, disciples and friends.
SUZANNE HARGROVE ’87 died July 20, 2021, at the age of 70.
LEONA CARLSON HAYES ’55 died Jan. 30, 2021, at the age of 89. Born and raised in Colorado, Leona accepted Jesus Christ while she was young, and she was faithful throughout life. She began a career in nursing at the University of Denver, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She trained as a nurse midwife at Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky, where she rode by jeep and sometimes horseback to deliver babies. She earned a degree in missions from Seattle Pacific University, a master’s degree in community health nursing from University of California in San Francisco, and a doctorate in post-secondary education from the University of Illinois. A teacher at heart, Leona was a nursing professor at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York — where she met her husband, Robert Hayes — and later at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. She spent one year as a nursing lecturer at the University of Zambia School of Medicine, in Lusaka, Zambia. Known for her cheerful demeanor, candid assessments, and joyful personality, Leona was a good listener and encourager to many. Birdwatching, gardening, and reading were her favorite pastimes. Her favorite reading material was the Bible, especially the Psalms. She played the piano, and frequently had verses of hymns running through her mind, which comforted her during life’s trials. Leona was a member of Grace Community Church of the Nazarene in Louisville, Kentucky, and of the Gideons Auxiliary. She was also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Leona is survived by Robert, her husband of 55 years, Robert; two daughters; three grandsons; and a brother.
DONALD HODSON ’56 died July 30, 2021, at the age of 88. Donald Leon Hodson was born Sept. 13, 1932, and died peacefully at home on July 30, 2021, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife ESTHER CLYDE HODSON ’57, a son and daughter, five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three sisters and four brothers, including GEORGE HODSON ’58 and GERALD HODSON ’61.
PAULINE WIEDMER HOFFMAN ’56 died Aug. 10, 2021, at the age of 85. Born in Americus, Kansas, Pauline met HOWARD HOFFMAN ’57 and they married in 1954. Devoted Christian partners, parents, and best friends, they lived for several years in the western U.S, spent four years as missionaries in South Africa, and settled in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Pauline returned to college as an adult, earning another bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor and master’s in social work from Michigan State University. She played an important role in the development of programs for returning adult students at SAC and was also a practicing social worker in Jackson for several years. She was an active member of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, including the church choir, and she enjoyed the active card ministry she helped organize in her later years. Predeceased by her husband of almost 63 years, Pauline is survived by two daughters, two sons, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
DOROTHY MILES HURT ’60 died April 21, 2021, at the age of 72. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Dorothy graduated King’s Garden High School in Seattle. Two years later, she met her future husband, DENNIS HURT ’63, while attending Seattle Pacific College. They were married by Dorothy’s father at Ballard Baptist Church in Seattle. Dorothy served alongside her husband at Columbia River Christian Academy in its early years. They moved to California later, where she was a church secretary and served as a pianist for more than 15 years at the EFCA Church in Oroville, California. After retiring, she spent her final three years living near family in Renton, Washington. Dorothy relished being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She also enjoyed serving others through her piano, hospitality, and visiting the elderly. Preceded in death by a brother, Dorothy is survived by Dennis, her husband of 60 years; a son and daughter; a sister; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
DONNA HUTCHINSON MSN ’92 died Nov. 28, 2021, at the age of 76. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Donna was a “military brat,” growing up in many places, including Buffalo, New York, Japan, and Germany before coming to the Northwest. After graduating from the all-girls’ Holy Angels High School in Ballard, she went on to nursing school at St. Joseph’s nursing school in Tacoma, Washington, graduating with a BS in nursing from the University of Washington. Later She later earned an MSN from Seattle Pacific University. Donna married Jeffrey Hutchinson in 1966 and they had three sons. After Jeffrey died from cancer in 1974, Donna raised her boys herself from then on. Family and her Catholic faith were the most important things to Donna. She loved to travel, especially to Los Cobos, Mexico. She was an avid reader, knitter, walker, eucharistic minister, volunteer, and artist. She was passionate about sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks. Donna is survived by her sons, a sister, two brothers, 10 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
RONALD KEELING ’70 died September 16, 2021, at the age of 73. Ron served as a funeral chaplain and most recently resided in Winlock, Washington. He and his wife, Patsey Buffington Keeling ’86 had three sons, including DAVID KEELING ’97.
ROBERT KUTRICH ’76 ’88 died October 23, 2021, at the age of 68. Born in Seattle, Robert graduated from Edmonds High School in 1971. He earned his bachelor’s degree in a self-designed major combining science and English, resulting in a in science fiction. He married LORI LAWSON ’77 1979, and they made their home in Edmonds until they relocated to Illinois, where Robert attended the graduate program in communication at Wheaton College. After returning to the Northwest, Robert pursued an engineering degree from SPU in 1988. Robert spent the majority of his work career working for Washington Department of Transportation, where he took on various roles related to his engineering degree. During this time, he lived a life filled with raising children, church involvement, playing soccer, and beginning his bike riding and kayaking adventures. He is survived by his wife, Lori, two sons and a daughter, two grandchildren, and two brothers.
GEORGE LEASOR ’55 died Nov. 15, 2021, at the age of 93. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, George moved with his family between Kansas City and Chicago as his parents travelled from church camp to church camp as “Mom and Pop” Leasor, serving as camp cooks. After graduating from high school in Kansa City, George began attending Seattle Pacific College. His parents soon followed to come cooks at SPC. Also at SPU, George met CAROL FOSKET, and they soon married. In the next years, George worked full time and took classes part-time. Before he graduated in 1955, he and Carol had two children. After graduation, the family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where George pastored a Free Methodist church. While pastoring churches in churches in Vancouver and Summerland, British Columbia, they had two more children. While pastoring the Free Methodist church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, George was asked to “fill in” as the president of the small Bible school, Aldersgate Bible College. He agreed — remained for the next 10 years. George and Carol returned to Washington state to be more involved in the care of their aging parents. George and Carol moved to Warm Beach Camp near Stanwood, Washington, and George began a 25+-year career in real estate. Carol joined the camp staff, running the bookstore. After retiring, George volunteered at Warm Beach Camp’s Lights of Christmas event and in the mailroom. He and his wife eventually moved from their house on the Warm Beach campgrounds to the Warm Beach Senior Community. George was preceded in death by his son in 2008, and is survived by his wife of 70 years, CAROL FOSKET LEASOR ’54, three daughters, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
STEPHEN “STEVE” LEWIS ’74 died Dec. 24, 2021, at the age of 69. Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Steve graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1970 before graduating from Seattle Pacific in 1974. He was an educator in the Portland and Salem Keizer, Oregon, school districts. His mother, father, and a sister, Gayle, predeceased him. Survivors include his partner, Charles Donald, two brothers, a niece and three nephews, two great nieces, and many extended family members and close friends.
UNAJEAN NASLUND MACDONALD ’44 died Nov. 5, 2021, at the age of 98. UnaJean had been the organist at Seattle’s Berean Bible Church. She was predeceased in 2017 by her husband of more than 72 years, NORMAN MACDONALD ’43, as well as by a son and daughter. She is survived by three sons.
MARGO MASSEY ’93 died Oct. 26, 2019, at the age of 89. Margot was born in Tulare, California, and led her life with purpose toward love, God, and her family. Predeceased by her husband, Warren, and their middle daughter, Margo is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.
STANLEY MOE SR. ’55 died June 21, 2021, at the age of 92. Born in Bellingham, Washington, Stanley lived in Puyallup, Washington, for over 60 years with his wife, GRACE PIERCE MOE ’58, who was a private music teacher and church organist. After a short stint in the Korean War, Stanley returned home to finish his studies and land a job teaching fifth grade in Montesano, Washington. He next began teaching math at Puyallup High School, where he remained for the remainder of his 30-year teaching career. Stanley was an avid gardener, and he and Grace loved exploring the West Coast and took cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean. He was a longtime member, deacon, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher, and choir member at Puyallup First Baptist, where Grace played organ and directed choir for years as well. Some of his last words were an out of the blue, loud outburst of “Praise God from who all blessings flow.” Predeceased by his wife, Grace, Stanley is survived by two sons and daughter, MARIESTHER MOE BURNHAM ’83, two grandchildren, a brother, and many extended family members.
CHARLES NEIFERT ’65 died July 6, 2021, at the age of 78. Charles was born in Sacramento, California. He married Carla Olson on June 6, 1964, and they were married for 57 years. Charles worked as a minister for 36 years, and he was a member of Pratt Friends Church, in Pratt, Kansas, at the time of his passing. A devoted man of God, Charles also enjoyed reading, fishing, bowling, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Carla, children, three sons and a daughter, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three nephews, and one niece.
ROBERT “BOB” PORTER ’51 died Nov. 4, 2021, at the age of 93. Born in Escondido, California, Bob attended Los Angeles Pacific College for two years before transferring to Seattle Pacific College. After graduating, Bob began his teaching career in Oregon. In 1952, he married HAZEL GREEN PORTER ’53. After teaching for three years, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and spent nearly two years stationed in Puerto Rico during the Korean War. When his military service was complete, he moved to Oregon to teach at Foster Grade School, then subsequently taught at Queen Anne Grade School and at Lebanon Middle School for a total of 25 years of teaching. He also completed his MEd from Oregon State University. Bob was a man of deep faith and a committed follower of Jesus Christ. While teaching in Lebanon, he and Hazel assisted in planting the Lebanon Free Methodist Church and the Sweet Home Free Methodist Church. He served as a Sunday school superintendent and an adult Bible study teacher. He also led and organized many Christian youth camps during the summers. After retiring from teaching, Bob became the executive director at Aldersgate Bible Camp and Conference Center in Turner, Oregon, where he served for 12 years. He became an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church while serving as the director. Also, during this time, Bob and Hazel started the Cascade View Free Methodist Church in Sublimity, and upon retirement from Aldersgate, he became the assistant pastor of the church where he served faithfully until his death. Bob was an outgoing, friendly, optimistic, and inspiring servant of God. He was a man of great faith and prayer and wanted as many people as possible to experience the love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and watching Oregon State Beaver games. Bob is survived by Hazel, his wife of 69 years; a brother; two sons; seven grandsons; eight great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.
WILLIAM “BILL” SPAET ’73 died Nov. 10, 2020, at the age of 69. He graduated from East Valley High School in Yakima, where he was a track and field star. As a senior in 1969, he placed third in the Washington High School State Championships in the javelin and pole vault. He attended Seattle Pacific College and continued to perform at a high level. He still holds the SPU school records in the pole vault (15-11) and the javelin throw (246-3). Bill is still second all-time in the triple jump (48-10) and fourth all-time in the long jump (23-2). He was a five time All-American at SPU. In the NCAA Division II national championship meets, he was third in the decathlon in 1971, second in the pole vault, and sixth in the javelin in 1972 and second in the pole vault and third in the javelin in 1973.
VIETTA “KAY” STAMEY RIEGEL ’54 died Dec. 16, 2021, at the age of 85. Born and raised in Aberdeen, Washington, Kay was active in Girl Scouts and the local Baptist church. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors swimming, horseback riding, and riflery. She also loved helping others, receiving a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 1962. In 1966, Kay married Chuck Riegel, and they had two children. During her career, Kay was employed as a youth probation counselor, a private-practice therapist, and a hospital social worker. After Chuck’s premature death, Kay maintained strong connections with his extended family who supported her in raising the children as a single parent. She later married BRAD GJERDING ’65. Kay’s compassion was firmly rooted in her faith, and she was active in a variety of Christian organizations and was a member of The Fairview Church in Seattle. Kay enjoyed singing in church choirs, gathering with others for Bible study and prayer, and supporting the work of missionaries and Bible translators. She is survived by her son, Keven, daughter JANELLA RIEGEL ’92, granddaughter Zenith, and ex-husband, Brad.
EVA STILLMAN REDDICK ROGERS ’46 died Nov. 12, 2021, at the age of 98. Eva was born in Valley City, North Dakota, and was one of four children. Eva’s family moved to Minnesota, where she attended high school. She returned to North Dakota and received a teaching certificate from Valley City State Teacher’s College. She taught two years and then, with two sisters, traveled to Seattle and earned a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific College. She taught at Greenwood and Bryant elementary schools in Seattle. Soon, her parents sold the family farm and also moved to Washington. At SPC, Eva met and later married James “Mac” Reddick who became a dentist in Lake City. They had four children together. Over Memorial Day weekend in 1968, Mac died during a climb up Mt. Rainier; he had been caught in a “white out.” Eva was an active in her church, where she taught adult Sunday school classes, and served as Sunday school superintendent, trustee, and member of the Lay Leadership Team. She spent 10 years serving as director of outreach for the Women’s Fellowship of the Free Methodist denomination and speaking for women’s retreats and other church groups. Seattle Pacific University presented her with the Medallion Award for her service to the school, community, her profession and the church. Eva was also an SPU Fellow and Falconette. Twenty-one years after she’d become a widow, Eva married Rev. DONALD ROGERS ’44, a childhood friend from North Dakota and SPC alum. They built their home in Lake Forest Park and lived there until Donald died in 2011, and Eva moved to the Warm Beach Senior Community near Stanwood, Washington. Eva is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
JUANITA DENBEIGH HOWELL SWANSON ’53 died March 27, 2020, at the age of 88. Born in Spokane, Washington, Juanita graduated from Plummer High School in Plummer, Idaho, prior to attending Seattle Pacific College. After graduating from SPC, she married LeRoy Howell in 1950, but he passed away less than 10 years later. Juanita attended business school and worked from Carnation Milk Co. and Colyear Motor Parts, and married George Swanson in 1961. When Juanita was in her 50s, she returned to school again, this time earning an AA degree in early childhood development at Chabot Community College in Haywood, California. She spent the next several years teaching school. Juanita is survived by her husband of 58 years, George Swanson, three daughters and a son, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, step-sister, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
LAEL WINCH THOMPSON ’68 died Feb. 23, 2022, at the age of 76. A lifelong Washingtonian, Lael was born in Renton, Washington, and graduated from Seattle Pacific College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She met George “Buzz” Thompson, while attending a youth group in Joyce, Washington, and they both attended Prairie Bible Institute. They married in June 1969. The couple served as missionaries in South America until they returned to Joyce, where they eventually opened their own business, T-C Lumber. The couple had four children, but after their youngest child died, they moved to upper Eden Valley. They had three more children and built their dream home. Lael helped her husband with the business and tended to their farm, all while homeschooling the youngest three children until they left for college. Lael was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, and loved music. She played the French horn in her high school band and the Prairie Bible College orchestra. She was known for hosting many events at her home, including a barbecue every Saturday and a Bible study every Sunday. Lael also opened her home to anyone who was in need, and she loved to share her faith. Predeceased by her son, Lael is survived by George, her husband of 52 years, six children; 21 grandchildren; and a sister.
JUNE JILLSON TREMAIN ’53 died Aug. 28, 2021, at the age of 97. Born in Dinuba, California, June received a bachelor’s degree in education from College of the Pacific before moving north to Seattle with her husband, LLOYD TREMAIN ’68. A faithful and devoted follower of Jesus, June wrote thousands of cards and letters to friends, family members, pastors, and missionaries. She also became a foster parent to three children. And, as a Gideon auxiliary member, gave gifts of Bibles in the names of family, friends, and others. Preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, June is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
DOUGLAS TULLAR ’50 died March 28, 2022, at the age of 92. Born in Yorkshire, New York, Douglas was active in Future Farmers of America. He was also an athlete, excelling in track, basketball, and baseball. He played basketball at Roberts Wesleyan College, but he transferred to Seattle Pacific College to follow his future wife, JANET JOHN TULLAR ’67, who’d transferred earlier. They married on New Year’s Eve 1949, and Douglas graduated after Spring Quarter 1950. His first teaching job was science at Arcade Central School, his alma mater. He also taught at Newport High School and at the off-campus alternative school in Bellevue, Washington. He was known as a teacher dedicated to helping kids who didn’t fit in the system. Once Douglas retired, he began teaching in Texas, Arizona, and he tutored math and science just over the Mexican border. Preceded in death by Janet, his wife of 70 years, and brother, Dudley, Douglas is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a brother.
ROGER WALLS ’61 died Nov. 7, 2021, at the age of 82. Roger had been president of Northwest Properties. He is survived by his wife, Pamela.
DONALD WELK ’59 died Jan. 5, 2022, at the age of 84. Born and raised in Anacortes Washington, Donald moved to Seattle to attend college at Seattle Pacific College and then the University of Washington to study dentistry. He married MARLENE BUER WELK ’57 in September 1959. In 1964, Donald and Marlene moved to Kentucky, where he joined the restorative dentistry department at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. In 1971, he and his family moved to Oklahoma City to help start the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry as the chairman of restorative dentistry until his first retirement in 2001. After his retirement, he began work on building his own house, which he eventually completed in 2007. Around this time, he also started working at the Choctaw Indian Nation as a general dentist. He continued to work there until the end of 2018, when he returned to Washington. Donald was a skilled carpenter and he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, and snow skiing. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marlene, their son, and three grandchildren.
