Jacalyn "Jacay" Seelhorst long time Teacher and Educator of Rio Hondo, Tx passed away surrounded by family on July 19, 2020 after a brief illness.

Jacalyn Jane Beffert was born November 12, 1952 to Reinhardt and Evelyn (Sichmiller) Beffert in Webster, SD where she attended St Otto's Grade School and graduated from Webster High School in 1971. She would go on to marry Leo Seelhorst on September 20, 1973. They built an adventurous life together raising 6 children and living in Florida, Alabama, North Dakota, South Dakota and finally settling in Texas.  Jacay obtained her teaching degree from Northern State University. During her career she taught Computers, Technology, Yearbook and Art.

Throughout her 67 years, Jacay touched many lives and inspired many people to pursue their dreams. Always the whimsical one, she brought to life the imaginings of her children and grandchildren through her drawings, storytelling, puppet shows, making costumes and props for their elementary school plays and Easter treasure hunts. She never stopped teaching whether it was a new mother trying to navigate the waters of motherhood, friends needing advice, her own children and students on how to become open minded and tolerant of others, or her grandchildren on the importance of art and how to do everything from drawing to painting to sculpting to Henna Tattoos. She introduced her students to her South Dakota culture through listening to old radio shows that reminded her of her childhood and cooking German food she had loved growing up. Jacay left her mark on the walls of Gutierrez Middle School in Harlingen, Tx with the many murals her art students had completed throughout the years. She loved watching her family grow, welcoming new members to her ever growing brood and the many adventures that came with it. However, what she loved most of all, was being a grandmother. She was always there with a snuggle, stories to tell, new worlds to explore, trips to the river, cooking lessons, to provide security and love from a sometimes not so nice world, songs to sing and late night root beer floats with popcorn and a movie.

Jacay is survived by her husband, Leo Seelhorst of Rio Hondo, Tx, her children: Tessa (Kristen) Seelhorst of McAllen, TX, Jason (Courtney) Seelhorst of Crofton, MD, Shana Seelhorst of Houston, TX, Diedra (Stephanie) Seelhorst of Hampton, VA, Kyle Seelhorst of Virginia, and Tait Seelhorst of Harlingen, TX;  Two sisters -Karen (Cletus) Thomas of Aberdeen, SD , Raenell (John) Trautner of Webster, SD; Her beloved grandchildren Braedon, Elizabeth, Destiny, Michael, D'Asia, Lauren, Delilah, Jaiden, D'Andra, and Julissa. She is predeceased by her brother, Noel Ray, and her parents, Reinhardt and Evelyn Beffert.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Coester Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

www.coesterfuneralhome.net