Barbara W. Thisted

June 25, 1927 - August 20, 2018

Barbara W. Thisted Obituary Barbara Walker Thisted passed away in Spokane, WA on August 20, 2018 at the age of 91. A woman of faith, Barbara was active in the Lutheran Church, serving in leadership positions throughout the church community, including work on boards, call committees, and service groups. She valued family immensely and took great pride in her extended family. She valued education so highly that she ensured all her children had an opportunity for a college degree and took pride in the fact that all of them got at least one. Aviation was a passion! Licensed as a pilot before she was married, she operated an airport, flew in air races, and was a proud member of the Ninety Nines, the international organization of women pilots. Because she and Dale passed this love on to their children, all four of them, and one grandchild, became pilots as well. An avid sportswoman, her interests included swimming (in her early career swimming professionally with the Aqua Follies of Los Angeles) and skiing all over the West with family and friends. In a quieter vein, she loved playing Bridge; usually having a group that played regularly and enjoying it whenever possible with her family. Professionally, Barbara managed a high-rise condo in La Jolla, California, was a Realtor in Spokane, and was proud of her work with the Spokane Housing Authority. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dale; her children Ronald (Linda) of Chicago, Blair (Kathy) of Bellingham, Dana Grossman (Ira) of San Diego and Thomas O'Farrell (Cynthia) of Summerville, South Carolina; grandchildren Walker Thisted (Gregory Hughes), Jennifer Blomquist (Scott), Matthew Grossman, Aliza Grossman, and Patrick O'Farrell; and great-grandchildren Nicholas and Caitlin Blomquist. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Blair Walker, her sister Isabelle Walker, and her daughter Sarah O'Farrell. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8441 N. Indian Trail Rd., Spokane, WA 99208. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Barbara Thisted can be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home.