Obituaries

Janet began her life’s adventure in Powell, WY. She married her sweetheart Denman Smith after she graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1956. Janet taught and substituted in public schools for 42 years. The summer months were spent in Yellowstone National Park while Denny was a Summer Seasonal Ranger. After she retired from the Highline School District they travelled the world. Janet volunteered for many organizations. Janet is predeceased by her parents, Elven & Eleanore (Longley) Royer.

On March 25, 2020, the family of Joy Melech of Burien, WA will be celebrating her Heavenly birthday!  She passed away on January 14, 2020.  She was a Mom, Nana, tireless advocate for her son at Woodside School, a nurse who graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, a former Burien business owner with her fine gift and antique shop, twice award-winning poet and she was blessed with talent as a pianist. She loved The Lord!  Born and raised in Mammoth, WV, she later raised her family in Muncie, IN before moving to Burien in 1968.

Richard Manlius Rogers was born October 30, 1924 in Toledo, Washington and died February 29, 2020.  Doris Louise Lake Rogers was born January 5, 1928 in Wenatchee, Washington and died August 23, 2018.

Dick and Doris met on a blind date, liked what they saw, and married August 25, 1946.  Together they raised 4 adoring children, Robert W., Bonnie L., Richard C., and James M.

They lived in West Seattle before settling in Burien in 1947 to start their business and raise their children.

Nezita Elna (Smith) Campbell, a long-time resident of West Seattle, passed away on January 4, 2020 in Renton, WA at age 96.  Nezita (Zee) was a beloved mother, grandmother, cousin and friend to many.  She was preceded in death by her husband Wilfred T. Campbell (Woody), parents Charles and Irene Smith, and son Clifford E. Campbell.  She is survived by her son William R. Campbell of Renton, daughter Pamela R. Rich of Madison, WI, and 3 grandchildren.

Idella Elisabeth Gabler passed away on October 25, 2019. She was born on April 22, 1937 in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Eva and Leo Plaisted. She married John (Jack) Gabler on May 21, 1960. Idella passed after a long battle with cancer. Her husband Jack had passed in July of 2019. Neither had wanted any service or memorial. 

Douglas James Sykes passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and at the age of 58 left us much too soon due to undiagnosed High Blood Pressure. He was preceded in death by his Father, Claude A. Sykes and his Mother Sarah J. Sykes (nee McGillivray). He is survived by his sisters Claudia Irvine and Diana Parmele and his brother Joel Sykes. Along with them, he will be fondly remembered by cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Steven Thor Wilson passed away in his home on December 27, 2019, at the age of 72. Born on February 8, 1947 in Massachusetts, Steve was the son of Robert and Priscilla Wilson, and the youngest of five.

Steve's family settled in Seattle where he graduated Lake Sammamish High School. He grew roots in South Seattle, owning gas stations and ultimately a recreational vehicle business in Burien. At the age of 70, Steve retired and spent his final years enjoying life with his wife, Elvira. 

Born in Burien, WA on October 9, 1963. Jim passed away peacefully on October 19, 2019 in Anchorage, AK. He graduated from Highline High School (Burien) in 1982. Immediately upon graduation, he moved to Bethel, Alaska. Jim fell in love with Alaska where he lived his entire adult life.

Jim was a talented handyman; he could fix most anything. He loved his family, cars, sports and the great outdoors. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

On Dec 23, 2019 Shirley Rae Woods finally succumbed to her long battle with vascular dementia, mental illness, heart disease, a concussion, strokes, a night of seizures, two stressful marriages, a difficult and risky delivery, paying the bills and living with a family of people who dreamed of escaping from each other. Shirley is survived by her son John Parker Woods of West Seattle.  She will be missed.

James Kegley, born in Olive Hill, KY, passed away on November 3rd in Seattle WA.  Ten days later, his beloved wife, Kyong-Sun, born in Chungjin Hamgyeoung Nam-do, Korea, passed away.