Obituaries

Theresa Virginia (Groves) Longley passed away in Kent at home on Oct. 5, 2005. She was 68. Born to Ira and Katherine Groves on Sept. 29, 1937 in Burien, Theresa lived in Burien and Kent all her life. She graduated from Highline High School, Class of 1956. Theresa, also known by nick name as Gina, worked as a key-punch operator at the Boeing Co. and Tradewell. She drove school buses for the Kent School District. She was active in Scouting and loved children. Her hobbies included helping others, cooking, baking, ceramics, and gardening.

Maurine A. McCormick, born June 30, 1930, at Bremerton, and passed away Oct. 15, at her home in Seattle surrounded by her family.

Maurine was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She attended Star of the Sea School and graduated from Bremerton High School in 1948. Maurine worked in the escrow industry for over 41 years. She retired in 2000 as a Vice President and Commercial Escrow Officer of Pacific Northwest Title in Seattle. She provided support and fellowship for 26 years to the recovery community.

Merle A. Duncan, age 74, was born March 17, 1931, and passed away in Tukwila on Oct. 13, 2005.

Merle was a much loved, compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. He had a bachelor's degree from Seattle University and he was a teacher and coach in the Highline School District for 32 years. He inspired many youths.

Merle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lydia Duncan; his seven children, Steve, Dan, Ed, Lydia, Pat, Margie and Tim; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Jay and Terry.

Our dear father and Opa passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2005, to join our beloved mother and Oma in heaven.

Opa was born Feb. 27, 1920 in Soerabaja on the island of Java, Indonesia. He lived a happy and prosperous life growing up in Indonesia with three sisters and as the son of many generations of Dutch East Indies Army officers. He traveled to Breda, Holland, in 1938 for Dutch Army officer training.

Patricia Anne Sullivan was born Oct. 10, 1924.

Early life in Roslyn, Wash., was Irish-Welsh family oriented and centered around their pub business, "the Brick." Her miner father died too young, forcing her mother, brother and Pat to move to northeast Seattle. Operating a boarding house afforded Pat and her small family opportunities to meet a wide cross-section of interesting people, and she truly loved people!

Pat graduated from Roosevelt High School, Class of 1943, at the height of World War II. Then she went on to UW for a Journalism/Education major.

Also known as "Tractor Jack" to his many friends and acquaintances, Jack D. Bertschy peacefully passed away at home at the age of 72 on Sept. 20, 2005, surrounded by family.

Jack was born on Feb. 26, 1933, in Bentonville, Ark., the second son to Elsie and Carson Bertschy. He grew up in Bentonville and spent most of his youth on his "Ma & Pa's" farm. He went to school in Bentonville, Ark. In 1953 Jack heeded Uncle Sam's call to the Army and stayed until 1955. After leaving the army he spent several years driving long-haul trucks across the country with his friend Don Adams.

Karina Marie Kirk, loving wife, mother, and friend, was surrounded in love by her husband of 21 years, Ian, and her children, Kristy (24), Kelly (20), and Kyle (19), when she passed away peacefully, on September 26, 2005. She fought a valiant and courageous battle against cancer.

The daughter of Karen Garvin and George Johnson, she was born October 13, 1962, in Seattle. After graduation from Artesia High School in California, she married Ian Kirk, where they began their life together.

Chuck Skoglund was born in Seattle, and went home to be with our Lord on Sept. 26, 2005, at the age of 55.

He graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1968. His greatest joy was his children, granddaughters and family. He enjoyed time with friends, sports, camping, and cars. A strong believer in community service, his passion was involvement in youth activities, including Scouts, South King County Jr.

Donna Jean Carlstrom passed away September 25, 2005, eight days shy of her 80th birthday.

She was born October 3, 1925, in Yakima to Harlan and Viola Keesler and was their only child. Donna was a long time West Seattle resident and graduated from West Seattle High School. She was so courageous and strong throughout her extended illness and fought it with all that she had.

Emma was born March 4, 1929, in Columbia, Utah, and died Sept. 14, 2005, at her home in Burien after a courageous battle against lung cancer.

She was the beloved wife of George for 45 years; loving mother of Janet (Dave) Jenness, Patricia (Mike) Prosser and Kathleen Wipperfurth; grandmother of Phillip, Jayme, Hayden, Emilia and Daniel; and sister of Carrie (Richard) Dunham. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A Vigil service was held Sept. 19, 2005, at Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, Burien. A Funeral Mass was held Sept. 20, 2005, at St.