Obituaries

Debra May Duran-Rios, aged 66, passed away quietly on March 2, 2021. Born April 30, 1954 in Los Angeles, California to father John Duran, and mother Ivy May Pittman. Her years were spent working and raising her family.

As the old pilot’s poem said so eloquently, Henry Sanford “Sandy” McMurray has “gone west”, or in other words, after 99 and 1/2 years on February 13, 2021 Sandy filed his last flight plan.

Sandy was born July 14, 1921 in San Leandro, California to Welborn and Harriett McMurray.  His love of flying began when he soloed at the age of 19.  Flying eventually became his passion, profession, avocation, and except for his family, the core of his life. 

Jennie (Jan) McIntyre (Ingersoll) died peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 96 years of age. Her love of the South Sound area was evident with homes in Three Tree Point, Burien, and Des Moines.  Jennie was born on August 27, 1924 to Golda Belle Sheridan and Gomer Reece Curtis in Sugar City, CO. She was the youngest of three daughters – her sisters, Margarite and Olive, having predeceased her.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Brongil, 65, who was a long-time resident of West Seattle. He was a beloved father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend. Bob had an unfortunate battle with cancer that he eventually succumbed to on January 30, 2021. He fought every step of the way because he knew how important he was to his family and friends who loved him dearly.

On December 1, 2020, Theresa Gallagher (Terry Kremenich) passed away unexpectedly at 58 years of age. Born and raised in West Seattle until striking out on her own shortly after high school graduation, she found her professional niche as a "trained on the job" paralegal in a well-established (65 years), highly regarded West Seattle law firm. She was employed there for 38 years, becoming an important part of the staff that she called her "other family." From the cards and flowers the firm received from their clients, it is clear that they, too, feel a deep loss at Terry's passing.

It's been one year since you suddenly left us.  We miss you every day.

Born in Darmstadt, Germany, Ursula came to the United States by herself in 1962.  She met Paul Jensen shortly thereafter. He had just returned from Germany, having served there in the Army. It was love at first sight. They were married 55 years, had one daughter, Stefanie Kestner, 2 grandchildren Riley and Isabella Kestner and great-granddaughter Hazel Stoffer. Paul and Ursula made their home in West Seattle for 49 years.

Jim was born in Seattle to Evelyn Mae (Ward) Lockrem and Seph Reuben Lockrem. A graduate of West Seattle High in 1964, he earned an Associate Degree from Highline Community College in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and the Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1971. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad from 1970 – 1996. His passion for trains was evident in the brilliant layout he created in his home of 50 years in the Delridge area. He liked music and ballroom dancing. He also enjoyed reading, kayaking, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and RC model airplanes.

Frances Leona Fagan Nitkey was born in The Dalles, Oregon in 1922.  In her Alki home on January 20th of this year, surrounded by the love and care of her family, in comfort and peace, she took her last breath, one week shy of her 99th birthday.  

Died January 4, 2021 at age 77.  A Prince of a Man.  West Seattle H. S. Class of '62.  United States Marine Corps combat helicopter pilot with HMM-364 (the Purple Foxes) and HMM-262 (the Flying Tigers) during the Vietnam era.  Allstate agent. Survived by his wife, Lynne Morris, stepdaughter Beth Upham, stepson Derek Upham and his wife Laurie, and granddaughters Meredith and Olivia Upham.  No services. Share memories at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gary-Stackhouse

Born in Sisseton, S.D. to Edward and Bridget Rolstad.  Edward was a farmer and Bridget was a housewife and local midwife.  They had four children of which Mabel was the youngest.  Two brothers, Alen and LeRoy, and a sister Alice.

After relocating to Seattle, Mabel graduated from Lincoln High School.  She met Austin Aide who was her husband for 52 years.  They had one son, Michael.  

Austin worked for Continental Can Co. for 30 plus years and Mabel worked for the Post Office for 35 years.