Seattle Gay News Obituary Feed

Country music star and LGBTQIA+ ally Dolly Parton passes away at 80

An actress, musician, entrepreneur, and beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community, Dolly Rebecca Parton has passed away at age 80. In a video posted on Aug. 25, Parton’s nephew Brian Seaver announced his aunt’s passing: “My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, sister, sis, and granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.” Although the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Parto

Michael Gerard Stegmann, April 28, 1961–July 11, 2026

Michael Gerard Stegmann died in Seattle on July 11, 2026, following a head injury, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was 65. Mike grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and graduated from Saguaro High School in 1979. He moved to Seattle in 1987 and made the city his home for the rest of his life. For decades, Mike worked as a waiter in some of Seattle's best-loved restaurants, including The Surrogate Hostess, Café Septieme (in both Belltown and Capitol Hill), St. Cloud's, and Redwing Cafe. He was love

Obituary: Michael Alan Ramey, 1938–2026

Michael Alan Ramey, born August 2, 1938, in Washington. DC, died peacefully, as he wished, on June 12, 2026, in Seattle, after voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED), supported by loving friends and the wonderful people at A Sacred Passing. Mike lived by the philosophy of “tikkun olam,” a Hebrew phrase that means “repairing the world” through social justice and ethical behavior. Mike’s advocacy for social justice extended in many directions. He took a studied approach and worked to find merit in vi

Obituary: Lois Thetford, 1945–2026

Lois Thetford, 80, died on May 24, 2026, in Seattle, soon after a cancer diagnosis. Lois had been a vital member of the Seattle Lesbian and Queer community for over 50 years, and her unexpected loss came as a painful shock to many. Born in Christiansted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, on November 25, 1945, Lois became an anti–Vietnam War activist while a student at Cornell University. One of her first political activities upon arriving in the Seattle area in 1971 was organizing with soldiers who opposed the

Henry Anton Kuharic, M.D. (April 5, 1928-April 16, 2026)

Dr. Henry Anton Kuharic, a pioneering physician, humanitarian, and lifelong advocate for public health and environmental stewardship, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at the age of 98. Born April 5, 1928, in Newcastle, Washington, he was the son of Anton and Annie Kuharic, of Croatian and Slovenian heritage. Raised on a self-sufficient 40-acre farm on Cougar Mountain, with his two sisters Bertha (deceased) and Mary Ann (95 years), Henry’s early life instilled in him a deep work ethic, independence

The final bow: Celebrating the radiant life and legacy of Bret Hanna-Shuford

The lights of Broadway shine a little differently now. The theater community — a world built on storytelling, vulnerability, and the magic of connection — has lost one of its most vibrant storytellers. Bret Hanna-Shuford, a talent whose warmth radiated far beyond the footlights, has taken his final bow at the age of 46. While his departure leaves a profound silence where his laughter once rang, his life remains a resounding anthem of authenticity, love, and artistic resilience. To know Bret’s work was to wi

Obituary: Thomas Charles Rantz (1952–2025)

Thomas Charles (“Cha-Cha”) Rantz was born March 13, 1952, and passed away at his home in Seattle on August 21, 2025, due to a tragic accident. He was 73 years old. Born in Newport News, Virginia, to Richard Charles (colonel, US Army, Oct. 21, 1921–Feb. 4, 2023) and Erma Deanne Boyer Rantz, Tom spent his childhood with his military family, living in Virginia, Alaska, France, Germany, Rhode Island, and Brussels, Belgium.

In loving memory of Roxy Doll (November 16, 1967–June 24, 2025)

It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of Roxy Doll, a beloved drag luminary and the heart of Neighbours Nightclub. She fell ill on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and lay down to rest. She was later found unresponsive.

Robert Kent Storm, 1963–2025

Robert Kent Storm (aka Robert Hajime Ohashi, Jr.) was born on October 25, 1963. He passed away on March 23, 2025, at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.

Remembering Washington State Mr. Leather John "Daddy J" Limitone

For those who knew him, John F. Limitone, known among his chosen family as Daddy J, provided a space where we could exist unencumbered by the stresses and expectations of everyday life.

Forever in our hearts: Michael Dumoulin

Michael Dumoulin passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of January 31. Michael was a quiet and kind-hearted person who touched the lives of all who were around him.

Remembering Josh Cohen

My friend Josh Cohen died unexpectedly of a heart attack last Friday while attending a conference. I am shocked and saddened.

Longtime co-owner of The Wildrose Bar, Shelley Brothers, passes away at 67

Seattle Gay News and the city's LGBTQ+ community mourn the loss of Shelley Brothers, co-owner of the Wildrose Bar, and she will be remembered as an LGBTQ+ legend.

Remembering our beloved Stewart O Kallappa Jr

Stewart O Kallappa Jr Passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, in Yakima due to complications of pneumonia. Stewart was born in March of 1957 and lived in Neah Bay, Port Angeles, Bothell and Central Seattle.

Remembering Rainbow City Band co-founder Jo-Ann Christen

A tribute to the Seattle educator and musician who passed away at the age of 82.

In Memoriam – Jim Moeller (1955–2023): A life dedicated to service

Remembering one of the first openly Gay men to serve on a city council and as a state representative in Washington.

Remembering Peter W. Rumm

Remembering the local Seattle resident.

Remembering Patrick Haggerty

Patrick Haggerty was a touring musician, public speaker, and political activist until the very end – a real diehard.

Elegy for a beloved swimmer: Rick Peterson (1951–2022)

A tribute to Rick Peterson.

Remembering Robert Masters

The SGN celebrates the life of Robert Masters.