Obituaries

Joanne Smithberg Lennon died suddenly at home in Juneau, Alaska on January 20, 2007 of natural causes. She was born June 25, 1932 in Bloomington Illinois, the eldest of six children of Raymond and Dorothy Flessner Vogel. She was raised in Toluca and Roanoke Illinois, graduating from Roanoke-Benson High School in 1950. She then went on to nursing school, graduating from St Joseph's School of Nursing in Bloomington in 1953.

She married Dudley Smithberg of Juneau, Alaska on January 17, 1955 and in September the first of their nine children was born.

Hoffman

September 22, 1935 -

January 11, 2007

Gerald Kent Hoffman, age 71, of Normandy Park, passed away suddenly on January 11, 2007, from a heart attack.

Jerry spent his first four years living in Ruble, Iowa, above a country store run by his parents, Elmer and Helen Hoffman. The family then moved to a farm in LeMars, near Sioux City, Iowa. He served two-years in the U.S. Army during which he was stationed at Fort Lewis. He fell in love with the mountains and scenery of Washington state, which eventually drew him back.

Nola Penhan died January 11, 2007.

She was born February 16, 1923, to Lois Osborn. She was raised by her grandparents and the Irwins in Bellingham.

Nola was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She tenderly cared for her family and friends, always having a kind word and a funny joke for everyone she met. She was an active church member, having taught Sunday school and participated in church sewing circles.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Calif., Betty passed away suddenly on January 15, 2007.

She graduated from San Francisco State University. While teaching in Lafayette, Calif., she married William "Bill" Bowman. They moved to Normandy Park in 1963. Betty taught in the Highline School District and then became a Systems Analyst for Boeing for 11 years.

Betty will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Marion D. Gates, 87, died January 8, 2007, in Des Moines, WA. She was born on June 24, 1919, in Kansas City, MO. The first half of Marion's life was difficult and painful, but the second half was her life's dream. In 1960 her life changed dramatically. She took a job as a sales clerk at the May Company department store and quickly worked her way up to assistant manager. She stayed there until she retired 25 years later. In 1961 she went to a square dance class and met Jack. On July 11, 1964, they were married and had a square dance reception.

Betty Jane Markwith died peacefully on Jan. 3, 2007, surrounded by her loved ones. Betty was born in Martinez, California in 1919 and moved to the Federal Way area with her family in the mid 1960's. Her accomplishments include singing and directing church choirs, retiring as a bus driver of the Federal Way School district, and her joy of painting. Grateful for having shared Betty's life are her children, Jennifer White and her husband Randy, Jeff Markwith and his wife Karen, 6 Grandchildren, 1 Great granddaughter, and many dear friends.

Marion D. Gates, 87, died January 8, 2007, in Des Moines, WA. She was born on June 24, 1919, in Kansas City, MO. The first half of Marion's life was difficult and painful, but the second half was her life's dream. In 1960 her life changed dramatically. She took a job as a sales clerk at the May Company department store and quickly worked her way up to assistant manager. She stayed there until she retired 25 years later. In 1961 she went to a square dance class and met Jack. On July 11, 1964, they were married and had a square dance reception.

Beloved Mother and Grandmother Lifelong resident of West Seattle passed away Dec. 24, 2006. She leaves behind daughter, Jean Sellars; grandchildren, Kim, Bill (Carla) and Mike; 5 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren and she will be missed by many close friends. Memorial Service to be held in the spring when it is warmer and the flowers are blooming. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To send a message to the family please visit www.mem.com. Arrangements entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery.

On December 27, 2006 at the age of 76, Margaret (Marki) Kaiser joined her beloved husband, Bob, of 45 years in heaven. Marki loved life and always fought for the underdog. Her family and extended family were most important to her. She cherished and proudly displayed photographs of them throughout he home. Marki leaves behind her daughter, Shawn and husband Lonnie Thelen, her step-granddaughter, Jeanne and her many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Marki was retired from Stusser Electric where she spent many years as their Customer Service Manager.

Long-time West Seattle resident Marjorie Wylde Delsman, age 97, died in her home on January 2, 2007. The daughter of Pearl and Samuel Wylde, who immigrated to West Seattle from Canada and England respectively, Marjorie was born on March 7, 1909, in the family home on 47th Ave S.W. Her grandfather, Samuel Wylde, founded Novelty Mill flour Company in 1893 and developed it into a prosperous family business shipping "Excellent Flour' to Alaska and Asia. The mill was located Where Salty's Seafood Grill on Alki is today.