A memorial service is planned at West Side Presbyterian Church this Saturday for Jacqueline (Jackie) Joan Luther Benefiel, whose family shares this remembrance:

Aug 26, 1925- Aug 26, 2012, born in Seattle, passed away on her 87th birthday surrounded by her loving family at Providence Hospital in Everett, of kidney failure. Preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry & Richard Luther.

Jackie Joan Luther grew up in West Seattle and went to West Seattle High School and graduated with the Class of 1943. She was involved in Rainbow, she was a violinist, and played in the Jr. Symphony. She was married at Westside Presbyterian Church to her high school sweetheart, Ralph (Bud) Benefiel.

Jackie and Bud were very active in the West Seattle area and had many friends that she kept in touch with over the years.

She was singing for the Sweet Adelines in Everett, loved camping, skiing, Campfire leader, and active in the West Seattle Alumni Association. They also started a dance club called the Midnighters. Jackie and Bud stayed in the West Seattle area to raise her children, Linda, Larry, & Debbie.

She (they) moved to Whidbey Island after Bud retired from Shell Oil Company. On Whidbey Island she started a very successful Avon business, winning many Presidential awards which she was very proud of. She loved to travel, boating, and was an avid (competitive) bridge player, playing weekly.

Jackie is survived by her husband, 3 children (Linda, Larry, Debbie), 6 grandkids, 9 great grandkids, 1 great-great granddaughter.

A memorial will be held (Saturday) October 6th @ 11:00 am at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave SW, 206-935-4477 – Reception following.

A 2nd informal service will be held at the family home on Whidbey Island on Oct 20th at 2:00 PM with refreshments. E-mail for directions to bud2jackie@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Seattle High School Alumni Association @ 4742 42 Ave SW #215, Seattle, WA 98116

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)