Beth Ann Harmeling was born on December 27, 1956 to John and Jo Harmeling, in Sac City, Iowa at Loring Hospital. Beth was the second child, first born is Barton John Harmeling. A third child, Jennifer Rae Harmeling and a fourth child, Ann Harmeling followed before the family moved to Pella, Iowa in 1960.

The family was raised in Pella, at 1218 Main Street, and enjoyed growing up during times when children were safe to play outside, ride bicycles to the swimming pool, talk to neighbors, and trick or treat the neighborhoods at Halloween until way after dark. Beth walked to school during her elementary years, walking home at lunchtime too. In the winter she enjoyed playing in the snow when there was snow, ice skating on the duck pond, and sledding. In the spring, Beth participated in Tulip Time…singing Dutch songs with her parents and as a teenager guiding tourists through George Herron’s miniature Dutch village. Beth served with the Dutchesses, a group that traveled the state singing and dancing Dutch dances to promote Pella and the Tulip Festival. In the summer, she enjoyed outdoor nature camps at Big Rock park, horseback camp at the Bar L Ranch, riding her own horse-Smoky-and camping all over the Midwest and into Colorado and Canada with her family and close family friends. Swim team was a huge part of her life growing up, and her best strokes were freestyle and the butterfly. As a teen, she attended cheerleading camps, usually in the heat of summer! Beth also spent time visiting with her grandma and grandpa Vanderwal and loved hiking on their expansive property, pretending to be adventurers or Native Americans. In high school, Beth was very active in cheerleading, Pep Club, Thespians, and vocal music.

Beth made profession of faith at the 1st Reformed Church, and later attended 2nd Reformed Church as a young teen.

After high school graduation, Beth decided to pursue a career in Nursing. She attended Iowa Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines and was in the last class to graduate from that program in 1978. She started her nursing career at Iowa Lutheran and in 1980, succumbed to wander lust by moving to Alaska along with her dear friend, Carol Vande Kieft. The two enjoyed many great adventures together.

Beth worked at Providence Hospital, on a med-surg “overflow” unit. It was in the older part of the hospital with no private rooms. Patients often transferred off when private rooms became available. However, the physicians really liked the set up on the older unit as the nurse’s station was central to the rooms and therefore the perfect set up for close observation. The nurses also practiced primary nursing. Many nursing units today are set up with central nursing stations. Beth eventually left the hospital to work for a physician practice. She was “Dr. Gerster’s nurse” for many years. During this time Beth married Lance Allan Seyer and two daughters were born: Jacqueline Elizabeth in 1986 and Kimberly Belle in 1988.

In May 1993, Beth and Lance moved from Alaska to Maple Valley, Washington. Beth spent time volunteering at Lake Wilderness Elementary as Jacqui and Kimberly settled in to school. In late November, Beth starting working for a telephone triage company, “CareWise”, one of the first nurselines in the nation. She started out taking calls and eventually became a trainer as the company grew. She serviced as the Director of the call center and then the Director of Quality Improvement. The company was eventually acquired by a larger company, and in early 2006 Beth found herself jobless. After taking time off afforded by a generous severance, Beth was hired by then Group Health (now Kaiser Permanente) in the Review Services area. She continued to work there in various capacities for 15 years when the lure of retirement in August 2021 was too hard to resist.

In Beth’s spare time during these years, she enjoyed riding horses, gardening, cooking, and spending time with Lance, Jacqui, and Kim. For many years, the family had boxers and enjoyed showing in AKC conformation classes, but mostly we just loved those dogs!

After moving to Washington State, Beth and Lance became members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church located in Maple Valley, Washington. Over the years she served as Church Council President, Secretary, and Hospitality Team Leader. Beth volunteered for a number of church projects and was particularly passionate about community service and advocacy projects. She dedicated countless hours to "Cut the Corner," a church project that transformed neglected spaces into vibrant, green areas for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, Beth was a fervent supporter and active participant in the Annual Seattle Pride Parade, where she celebrated diversity and fought for equality. Her enthusiasm and commitment to these causes left a lasting impact on the community and inspired many to join in her efforts.

Beth was a passionate advocate for inclusivity and acceptance within her community. She had a deep desire for the LGBTQ community in her church to feel supported and loved. Beth dedicated much of her time to fostering a welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, felt valued and respected.

Beth was an integral member of the GiG (Gathering in Grace) women's Bible study group. Her leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in transforming the group into a vibrant women's fellowship community. Under her guidance, the group stayed closely connected and supported each other through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, providing a source of strength and companionship during uncertain times.

In late January of 2020, just before the COVID pandemic hit, Beth was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent surgical and medical treatment and was considered “cancer free” until July of 2022 when a recurrence was found. Despite continuing treatment for as long as it was effective, the disease ultimately no longer responded to medical interventions. Choosing to spend her remaining time surrounded by loved ones, Beth made the heartfelt decision to stop treatment in December 2023 and focus on making cherished memories with her family.

Beth fought her battle with cancer with remarkable strength, deep understanding, and unparalleled grace. Throughout her journey, she maintained a bright and hopeful smile, drawing from her unwavering faith to guide her through each challenge. Her steadfast belief provided her with the courage to face her illness and the serenity to embrace what lay ahead. On the morning of Saturday, June 29th, Beth peacefully passed away, surrounded by family and enveloped in the comforting presence of God's love.

Her indomitable spirit and loving presence touched the lives of all who knew her. Beth was a devoted mother, a cherished friend, and a beacon of kindness. She was known for her infectious laughter, her unwavering support, and her boundless generosity. Beth's ability to find joy in the little things and her strength in times of adversity were an inspiration to all. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering love. Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, who carry forward her teachings of empathy and strength; by her friends, who treasure the moments of joy and comfort she brought into their lives; and by the community, which was enriched by her presence. Beth’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing in her remarkable life. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her, as we honor her by living our lives with the same grace and kindness that she exemplified every day.

Beth is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Lance Seyer; her children, Jacqueline Seyer and Kimberly Rutherford (and her husband Kevin Rutherford); and her grandchildren, Theodore and James Rutherford. She is also remembered by her brother, Barton Harmeling (and his wife Sue Harmeling), and her sisters, Jenny Messer (and her husband Randy Messer), and Ann Class (and her husband Dave Class), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jo Harmeling.

Two separate services will take place for Beth, a committal ceremony held at Tahoma National Cemetery located in Kent, Washington, on July 24th, 2024 (details located on events tab). Additionally, a Celebration of Life for Beth at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Maple Valley, Washington on September 28th, 2024 (details located on events tab). If you plan to attend the Celebration of Life, please RSVP so we have a head count for catering.

In keeping true on end-of-life discussions Beth had with her husband Lance, she expressed a deep wish for her Celebration of Life to be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. She wanted this event to be a time where friends and family could gather, enjoy food and libations, and share stories in a lively atmosphere. For those, especially our out-of-town loved ones, who might only be able to attend one event, Beth would have wholeheartedly encouraged you to prioritize joining us for her Celebration of Life.

Beth expressed a heartfelt desire for donations in her honor to be directed to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. Her involvement with the church was profound, not only sustaining her faith but also creating a loving community that has been a pillar of support for our family during these difficult times. The friendships and connections she forged there were truly remarkable and enduring.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

23855 SE 216th Street

Maple Valley, WA. 98038

svlccommunity.org

Or

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704

Hagerstown, MD 21741

donate.cancer.org

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