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

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