Thelma M. Hagberg, a 48-year resident of the greater Burien area, passed away Oct. 19 at her home town of Mount Hope, Kansas. She was 85 years old. Born to Arthur and Clare Wilhelm in San Jose, Calif., on Jan. 29, 1922, the family soon moved to the Wilhelm homestead at Mount Hope.

Mrs. Hagberg was known by family, friends and neighbors for her kindness, constant service and beautiful smile.

Thelma married John F. C. Hagberg on Nov. 10, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas. The couple had three children-Nancy, Marilyn and John II. Mr. Hagberg's work took the family to Tampa, Fla., Bangor, Maine, Ogden, Utah, and Seattle.

Mrs. Hagberg was a leader in many organizations including scouting and the parent-teacher associations of all her children's schools. She was an advocate for persons with special needs for nearly 50 years through the Kansas and Washington associations for retarded citizens and related organizations. Other affiliations include the United Methodist Church, the Republican Party and the Seattle Museum of Flight.

Mrs. Hagberg was preceded in death by her husband in 1987; her daughter, Nancy, in 1997; and her son in 1998.

Survivors include her daughter Marilyn Hagberg, of Des Moines; three grandchildren, Arica Simmer of Mililani, Hawaii, Mikaela Hagberg of Federal Way, and John Hagberg III of Tukwila; a great-grandchild, Kyli Re Simmer of Mililani, Hawaii; and her sister Doris Hague of Strafford, Mo.

Memorial services were held Oct. 24 in Mount Hope, Kansas, and Nov. 4 at SeaTac. The family suggests any donations be made to King County Medic One, Highline operations.