Arline J. Seely-Bensch (born Six)
Personal
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: February 1, 1936
Date of Death: December 25, 2018
Birth Place: Wichita, KS
Death Place: Lawrence, KS
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Arline J. Seely-Bensch (1936 – 2018) |
| Memorial services for Arline J. Seely-Bensch, 82, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Saturday, December 29, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. She died Tuesday, December 25, 2018, at her home. Arline was born February 1, 1936, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Dale Miller Six and Evelyn Elizabeth Fisher Six. She graduated from Wichita North High School in 1953, received her bachelor’s degree from Friends University, and later attended the University of Kansas receiving her Master’s Degree in Education in 1986. A dedicated and creative teacher, Arline taught elementary school in Wichita, St. Louis, Meade (KS), Perry-Lecompton (Williamstown, Grantville), and Eudora. She also served as a Title I reading specialist and a tutor. An avid reader, Arline volunteered for the University of Kansas Audio-Reader Network, a reading service for the blind and visually impaired, for more than 30 years and notably recorded all of the Harry Potter books. Arline was active in the Methodist and United Methodist Church throughout her life and was involved with starting the Methodist Urban Ministry in Wichita, now known as United Methodist Open Door. In Lawrence, she was an active member of First United Methodist Church and worked with Reconciling Hearts and Justice Ministries. During the 1960s, Arline was active in the civil rights movement and was a lifelong advocate of equal rights and social justice for all. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed art, nature, travel, science fiction and films. Arline was blessed to have had two wonderful husbands. She married Gene Stewart Seely on April 6, 1955 in Wichita; he preceded her in death in 1995. After reconnecting at their 45th high school class reunion in 1998, Arline married Larry Bensch on October 25, 2003 in Baldwin City; he survives of the home. Other survivors include son David Seely (Debra) of Wichita, daughters Diana Seely Frederick (Joel) of Lawrence and Doreen Seely-Francis (Jay Francis) of Topeka; grandchildren Michael Seely (Michael Patch), Elise Crain (Nicholas), Matthew Seely, Amanda Frederick, Josh Frederick, and Anikka Francis, and great-grandson Aydon Crain. Additional survivors include stepchildren Cheryl Fornshell (Bob), Alan Bensch (Trish Cobb), David Bensch (Laura Clendenin), Lori Murphy (Pat), and step-granddaughter Ariana Bensch. She is also survived by brother-in-law Arthur Seely and sister-in-law Calvalene Seely, nephew Dean Seely (Debi), nieces Sharon Seely Novo and Kimberly Seely Butler, all of Alabama, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Daniel Six, husband Gene Seely, and great-granddaughter Piper Jean Crain. A visitation will take place from 7-8pm Friday, December 28, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Audio-Reader, and Douglas County CASA, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.
Published in The Wichita Eagle on December 28, 2018 |
