Obituary of Nelma Lofts

None Nelma Wilhelmina Buswell Rhyne McCarthey Lofts Nelma was born February 24, 1918, in Portland, Oregon to Wallace E. Buswell, an Alaskan gold miner turned farmer, and Ina Ahonen, originally from Finland. She grew up with five wonderful brothers and sisters on the family farm in Toledo, Washington. They were dubbed the “Big Six.” Nelma was married to Alfred A. Rhyne for thirty-three years. Mr. Rhyne was the owner of Rhyne Logging Company and logged in Tillamook, Oregon, Pe Ell and Forks, Washington. The business became Atlas Trucking Company in Port Angeles, Washington. Nelma was married to Roy McCarthey for seventeen years. Mr. McCarthey retired from Philips Petroleum Company in Seattle, Washington. Nelma was married to Lt. Cdr. Arthur W. Lofts for fifteen years. Mr. Lofts had retired from United Airlines. The couple moved from Bothell to live with their daughter, Denise, in Redmond, Washington in 2008. Nelma is survived by her sisters Ellen Smith and Hazel Reed, brothers Anor and Don Buswell (husband of Bernice), and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her children Mark Rhyne and wife, Joanne; Craig Rhyne and wife, Jane; and Denise Nelma Dengenis. Nelma’s grandchildren are Arlene and husband, Ocean Williams, MD; Paula Rhyne; Zachary Rhyne (mother, Faith Harrison); Justine Borg; Stephen Rhyne and wife, Melissa; Petra and husband, Ryan Roberts; Rhyne Dengenis (father, Peter Dengenis); and Brig Dengenis. Nelma’s great-grandchildren are Michael and Caleb Borg; Carter, August, Luella, and Magnolia Rhyne; Burton Roberts; and Avery Williams. Nelma was a born leader and a natural teacher. She taught her children public speaking, English grammar, patriotism, planting, and all manner of chores. But, most of all, "Nelm" taught us how to give. She was frugal, yet spectacularly generous. Her life was a real tribute to God, because she “esteemed others more highly than herself.” She and Bill were members of the Berean Bible Church in Shoreline (and memorial gifts can be made in her name to this church). Throughout the years, Nelma taught Sunday School and held leadership positions in various organizations: churches, 4H, Scouts, Rainbow Girls, PTA, Eastern Star, and various patriotic organizations. Tracing her ancestors in America more than 300 years ago, she was fierce in upholding our Constitutional Republic and Christian values. Nelma attended the University of Washington after the death of her first husband Alfred in 1970. Until after her ninetieth year, she maintained a spotless home, entertained, gardened, cooked, canned, sewed, berry-picked, politicked and lovingly embraced her family and many friends. Everyone loved to eat her good cooking, her wild blackberry pies, and delicious Finn coffee. She always planned ahead - recently sewing thirty baby quilts – for great-grandchildren not yet born. Her last words: “My children and grandchildren have been my diamonds.” Nelma Lofts died peacefully February 17, 2012. She had been the widow of three fine husbands. A "Celebration of Life" Christian service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Lacey Chapel, 6646 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA. A reception will be held afterward. She will be buried in a privately at Claquato Cemetery near Chehalis, WA. Please be sure to sign theguest book and leave your favorite story.