Obituary of Mary Seelhoff

Lifelong Burlington, Colorado resident Mary Lou Seelhoff, age 81, died Friday, October 23, 2009 at the St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, CO. She was born Mary Lou Benge on November 28, 1927 to Harley and Eilah (Eagelberger) Benge in Burlington. She attended her first years of education at country schools, Jewell and Happy Hollow. After the schools consolidated, she attended Burlington High School and graduated in 1946. She was a member of the Bethel Assembly of God church in Burlington. On March 4, l947 she was united in marriage to Walter H. Seelhoff in Goodland. To this union four children were born, Bethel, Ronald, Gerald and Melanie. Life did not have an easy start for Mary Lou. She was afflicted with polio at the age of three. She survived a flood at an early age and a school bus accident in December of 1945. Mary Lou was a devoted mother. She enjoyed farm life. She loved to cook and bake, she was always ready to help in the church kitchen at any function. At fair time she enjoyed helping make funnel cakes. She loved to see the family enjoying a meal together. Her first concern after colon cancer surgery two years ago was whether her kids had something to eat for supper. Some of her happiest memories were the hunting trips she went on and she loved to fish. She was especially thrilled when she could out fish Walt! Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. Mary Lou loved music and dancing. Her friends Glen Weaver, Verdie Lucke and Dean Pelton were always looking for dances in the area they could attend. Gerald raised a good harvest of green beans, peppers and tomatoes from his garden which she enjoyed canning. Her last week was blessed with doing the things she enjoyed doing most. She was able to spend time with her great-granddaughter Demi and bake some beirock’s (cabbage pockets) Thursday evening. Her parents, her husband Walter, daughter Bethel, and a great-grandson Tanner Seelhoff precede Mary Lou in death. Surviving family members are sons: Ronald Seelhoff, and Gerald Seelhoff of Burlington, her daughter Melanie Unruh and her husband Bruce. Seven grandchildren; Ivy Seelhoff , Jesse Seelhoff and his wife Nicole, Luke Seelhoff, Katie Seelhoff and her fiancé’ Justin Gooch, Mary Beth King and her husband Justin, Heather Unruh, and Jennifer Unruh. Four great-grandchildren; Tyler seelhoff, Mackenzie Seelhoff, Lily Gooch, and Demi Ulrich. Her brother Sylvus Benge of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, also survives her. Funeral services for Mary Lou will be Wednesday October 28, 2009, l0:30 AM, at the Bethel Assembly of God in Burlington. Pastors Joe Berry and William Behrman officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Burlington. A memorial fund has been established to the Bethel Assembly of God Church and may be sent to the Bank of Burlington. Visitation will be Tuesday October 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington.