Born July 3, 1906 in Seattle, WA, died February 14, 2002.
The first child of Dr. Jacob A. and Naomi Benshoof, Thelma lived much of her youth helping her ailing mother attend to her younger siblings; Allen, Helen, Genevieve, and Geraldine (all deceased). Thelma graduated from Holy Names Academy. She then attended the U. of W. and Western Washington College in Bellingham, where she earned an elementary school teaching certificate. It was there that she met Raymond W. Seeley. Thelma married Ray Seeley on Sept. 20, 1929. Together, Ray and Thelma had a house built in the White Center area. Their family was soon to start with John (Jack) Seeley wife Madelyn; Jill, husband John Ashley; Steve and Rita. Thelma loved her family and home, doing all the things required to make it flourish. She also adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always looked forward to the family parties. Thelma’s grandchildren are: Tim Lewis and wife Hilda, of Everett, WA; Jeff Ashley and wife Karen, of Tacoma; Mark Seeley and wife Mary Jo, of Auburn; and Jodi Ashley Craig and husband Brad Craig, of Federal Way. Thelma’s great-grandchildren are: Justin and Kelsi Craig, Andrew and Matthew Seeley, and Nick Lewis. Thelma was a long time member of the Seattle Milk Fund; Harriet B. Grieve chapter and for many years was a Washington precinct voting official for South King County. She was quite active at the Seatoma Convalescent Home where she resided since 1993. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday February 20, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery. A Vigil Service will be held Tuesday February 19, at 7 p.m. at Yarington’s Funeral Home.
Published in the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Monday February 18, 2002 page B4
