Rhea Jayne (Riehl) Wesson passed away peacefully on February 4, 2018. Rhea was born on August 22, 1929. She spent her early years on Vashon Island and in Tacoma, graduating from Stadium High School in 1946. Rhea graduated from Whitman College in 1950, and in 1952 married Louis Sieglinger, who passed away in 1954. Rhea then worked as a public-school teacher in Tacoma. She met Jabus Wesson when he came to Fort Lewis for military service. Jabus and Rhea married and settled in Seattle where they raised their family. They lived in Magnolia for 45 years.
Rhea was a devoted community servant with a range of interests through the years. She was an Alpha Chi Omega Alumni member and president. She spent many years as a volunteer with Camp Fire, before eventually becoming the Assistant Executive Director of the Central Puget Sound Council. She served on the board of directors of the Ryther Child Center, was chairwoman of the Ryther League, and remained a member and regular volunteer well into her eighties. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and served as lay leader and women’s club chair with the Magnolia congregation.
Rhea loved nature. She treasured her home on the beach and its view. She valued time with her family. Through her work with Camp Fire and Boy Scouts she honed her outdoor skills and became a founding member of The Backpackin’ Mamas. She continued to hike and camp through her seventies. Rhea was artistic and creative, often combining her love of nature with her art.
Rhea is survived by her children; Joe (Carla Hanawalt), Wendice Sevier (Dean), Stan (Allison Eva), Walter (Suzy) and Matt (Jennifer), by ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Richard Riehl (Barbara). She was preceded in death by her husband, Jabus and her sister, Nancy Hoff.
A memorial service will be held on February 24 at 10 a.m. at the Magnolia United Methodist Church, 2836 34th Avenue West. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Rhea be made to the charity of your choice.