Clarice R. Gilchrist (Seybert)

Clarice R. Gilchrist (Seybert), died in Seattle, Washington on June 21, 2012 – 99 years young.  Clarice was born on May 26, 1913 in Kansas, where she grew up and later attended Sterling College, earning both teaching and music degrees.  While in Sterling she met and married William O. Seybert in 1932.  Following WWII, Clarice, Bill and their two sons, Orin and Darryl, headed to Alaska where Clarice taught school in both Pilot Point and Venetie, Alaska for approximately 10 years.

Clarice recalled her years in Alaska as some of the most exciting and memorable times for her and her family.  She documented those years in an extensive series of journals, photos, memorabilia and stories, through which her family was able to re-live her journey through Bush Alaska.  Though she eventually left Alaska, Alaska never left her heart, and she leaves an extensive family legacy throughout Alaska.

After leaving Alaska, Clarice spent the remainder of her life in Washington State.  Her husband Bill passed away in 1966, and later she remarried Allen “Kay” Gilchrist, who also predeceased her.   She always led a full and busy life filled with reading, writing, composing music, and mentoring her grandchildren and extended family.  She was a beloved “Nana” to her large family, and an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path.

Clarice is survived by her son Orin D. Seybert, her brother Wade Pierce and her grandchildren Victor Seybert, Tami Terreson, Suzanne Evanoff, Nancy Schierhorn, Danny Seybert, Cecelia Myers, Lloyd Seybert, Joyce Alto and Linda Mack.  She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandson.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bill and Kay, her son Darryl Seybert, her daughter-in-law Jennie Seybert, grandson Andrew Seybert, and her great-grandson Floyd “Mister” Mack.  She will be laid to rest in Pilot Point with these dear family members no longer with us.