In Memory

Dear MMHS 1978 Classmates,

I have very sad news to share with you.

Denise Grendon passed away this past Monday morning 3/10/25. Scott Dills let me know right away. Scott, our fellow classmate and longtime partner of Denise, loved Denise very much and took great good care of her. Scott said it was Denise’s wish not to have any notification of her passing. I’m sorry, but Denise you are too important to not be remembered. You were such a big part of our class. I can’t believe we were just talking a few weeks ago and now you are gone. I will remember you as my 9th grade girlfriend. You broke up with me for an 8th grader and that gave us a laugh every time we talked about it for the last 50 years. I will remember you as one of our wonderful and pretty cheerleaders. I will remember your smile and your kindness right up to the end. I know life has been hard for you these past years, but your love for your family and Scott sustained you. I know I will see you again in Heaven and we can laugh and tell stories once again.
I must tell one story for anyone who didn’t really know Denise well. “Big” Rod Hill one of our classmates passed away in 2005. Rod and I had always stayed very close over the years. I spoke at his celebration of life service. I was very choked up while speaking about Rod. After the service Denise came up to comfort me. I thanked her for taking time out of her life to come celebrate Rod’s life. Rod had spent his last days at St. John’s Hospital with full expectations that he would be released and get to go home. Rod mentioned that Denise had come to visit him during his time in the hospital. When I mentioned that to Denise and how much that meant to Rod she smiled and said she went every day. That is the Denise I will always remember. Denise, you will be missed.

Always,

Darren Talley

Below is what Denise's son Dalton posted on Facebook

Scott Dills
I just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone from our class that we lost Denise Grendon Monday March 10th. I sent Darren a really nice FB post her oldest son wrote this morning. Darren will have a notification for our classmates.
We were fortunate enough to have each other's unconditional love for nearly 6 years before her 16 yr battle with CML Leukemia and pneumonia took her to God. I'll see you in heaven my love. 💔💔💔

2008 – 30th Reunion Picture

Dear MMHS Class of 1978,

I have sad news to share with you.

Debby Demas Cox emailed me the following on January 31st, 2025. I was hoping to receive an obituary before posting, but I want everyone to know about Terri’s celebration of life. Terri’s brother Allen MMHS Class of 1979 emailed the following to Debby. If anyone has an obituary, please email it to me darren@talleyfinancial.com and I’ll add it to our Class Memorial Page in honor of Terri.

From Allen Benish (on Terri's FB page) I think the location is at the community center in Normandy Park in Seattle: Hello everyone, this is Terri's brother Allen. It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Terri passed away suddenly on Jan 1st of this year. We are going to hold a Celebration of Her Life on Sunday March 9th from 1:00pm-5:00pm. COL will be held at The Cove. More details will follow. If you think you will attend, please RSVP with Laura Matz at lmatz@aol.com or 206-947-4808. This will be a Celebration and Terri loved the color purple, if you wish to wear Purple that would be a nice gesture. Allen

Terri, you are leaving us too soon. You will be missed by your classmates. I can still picture Terri smiling in high school with her “Pep Club” sweater on.

Always,

Darren Talley

March 6th, 1960 to January 1st, 2025

Terri Lynn Benish Obituary

Terri Lynn Benish of Des Moines, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on January 1st, 2025.

Terri was born in Redding, California, at age one moved to Eugene, Oregon and then in 1968 the family moved to Longview, Washington. A 1976 graduate of Mark Morris High School, Terri was in the top 5% of her class. She later earned a degree from Highline Community College.

Terri's career path reflected her diverse interests and passions. She made lifelong friends during her time at Anthony's restaurant in Des Moines, Washington. After a few years there she transitioned into owning a real-estate appraisal company where she also forged lasting connections. During this period she also invested in owning rental properties. But, it was her serious love of animals that led her to her dream job of opening Wag the Dog, a doggie daycare in Burien, Washington. In this capacity she was able to provide a vital service to many, with the additional bonus of falling in love with so many of the pups she cared for.

Beyond her professional life, Terri was deeply committed to her community. She was an active member of the "Buy Nothing" group, continuously collecting and distributing items to those in need. In doing so she saved countless items from going into the landfill, thus living up to her environmental commitment. A passionate advocate for civic engagement and love of politics, she dedicated countless hours on local and national political campaigns, working tirelessly for her chosen candidate's or issues. She was thrilled to be part of the democratic process as a ballot counter during each election cycle.

Those that knew Terri, remember her as hardworking, intelligent and fiercely loyal, with a kind and caring heart. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, offering support and compassion without hesitation. Her passions were many and varied, including her beloved cats, all animals, her wide circle of friends, family, politics, reading, traveling and the environment. Terri had a unique ability of making everyone feel like her best friend.

A woman of many adventures, Terri embraced life with enthusiasm, from sky diving, bungee jumping to global travels and water skiing. She was always up for a new experience whether it was an escape room, foreign film, helicopter rides, game night, a play or live music. Her amazing friendship and zest for life will be missed by the many people who loved her.

Terri is predeceased by her mother, Wilberta Darlene Maxwell and her father, Phillip Dean Benish. She is survived by her brother, Allen Benish and Sister-in-law, Debra Benish of Yuma, Arizona.

A celebration of Terri's life will be held on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, from 1:00-4:30 P.M. at the Cove - 1500 SW Shorebrook Dr., Normandy Park, WA 98166 (Terri's favorite color was Purple. If you would like to wear Purple please feel free to do so).

Please RSVP to LORALHEISTER@gmail.com no later than March 1st, 2025.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to an animal or environmental cause of your choice.

https://obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/terri-benish-1092670380

2025
Terri Benish
Denise Grendon
2024
Robert Quoidbach
2022
Donna Ehrmantraut (Curtis)
2021
Ron Braden
Ron Brown
Dave Chamberlain
Judy Gross (Lefebvre)
James Reynvaan
2019
Sandy Clark (Helton)
2018
Rick Schlecht
2017
William Riley "Bill" Creech
2016
Alzora F. “Al” Iddings (Creech)
Deborah Ann Peterson
2015
Rex Erickson
2014
Ronald Belland
Jimmy Carter
2013
Brian Wood
2011
TamiLyn Tammy Higgins (Price)
2010
Denise Melvin
Kim Steinauer (Claypool)
2005
Rod Hill
Jim Olmstead
2003
Randy Shephard
1999
Gary Norris
1998
James Pitsenbarger, III
1980
Sherry Miller
Kenny Weldon
1973
Billy Armstead
DECEASED YEAR UNKNOWN
Greg Farrelly
Allan Porritt

If you are aware of a Classmate who should be added to this page please let us know.