July 16, 1919 - December 06, 2017
Dorothy "Susie" Louise (Monk) Tombari Obituary
(Age 101)
Dorothy was born July 16, 1916 on her familys farm located near Edwall, WA to her parents Martha Vest Monk and Wilson Monk. Her family was proud to have owned a pre-cut home that held many modern conveniences of the day, something that few farm families had at that time. She attended school in Rockdale, WA with her brother Eugene and sister Lucille via horse and buggy driven by her teacher who lived with her family. At the age of 10, her father was killed in a harvesting related accident that forced the family to sell the farm and move to Spokane. Throughout her childhood Dorothy and her family moved several times between Spokane, Edwall and Cle Elum boarding teachers and caring for ailing family members as they tried to make ends meet. She attended high school at Lewis & Clark in Spokane and in Cle Elum where she graduated in 1934. Dorothy was able to attend Whitworth College do to her mothers position as a housekeeper to the schools president. In order to ensure she was able to complete her degree, Dorothy worked many jobs as a housekeeper, nanny, a personal assistant, a server and cook in a steam kitchen as well as for the family doctor as an office and nurse assistant. She eventually transferred to WSC (now WSU) and graduated with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1939. After college she took a position with Washington Water Power as a Home Services employee in the Sales Department. She had several career changes throughout her lifetime including time with the Dorothy Dean Department (Home Economics) at the Spokesman Review and as a sales clerk with the Crescent. Upon her retirement from the Crescent she was eligible for a pension payment of roughly $35 per month for her lifetime. She loved receiving her hard earned $35 per month retirement check and spent it on herself and her family for fun things only. In the fall of 1940, she married Henry Tombari and they were married for 65 years until he passed in 2005. She always joked that she married him on his birthday so he could never forget their anniversaryand it worked. He loving referred to her as Susie. The nick name stuck for many years and people often referred to her by that name. Henry and Dorothy built 3 homes together all in the Manito area of Spokanes South Hill and raised two beloved children James Edward and Donna Lee at their home on Manito Blvd. As Jim and Donna grew, she helped with the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire groups her children were a part of. The family was able to spend time together in Europe while Jim was in the stationed in Germany as a Lieutenant with army. Donna attended college at the University of Maryland satellite in Heidelberg. In her retirement years she had the opportunity to help take care of and spend time with her four grandchildren. She was an active member of her church community at Manito United Methodist Church and with the Womans Society and helped serve the Lions. As a member of the Pharmacy Auxiliary she held positions as the secretary and vice president several times. Together with Henry they traveled often and enjoyed seeing places across the US. Some of her favorites were the Southwest, Mt. Rushmore, the East Coast, the Oregon Coast along with the trips made with her kids and grandkids. She loved reading, gardening, fresh flowers, cooking, entertaining guests, and baking cookies with her grandchildren. Her main focus throughout her life was her family, even up until her passing. She loved having family visit her at Riverview Retirement Community where she lived for seven years. Her family includes son Jim and wife Sheri, their children Jennifer Chandler (husband Brian and son Cole James) and Katie Galloway (husband Wayne and sons Tanner and Alex). Her daughter Donna and husband Phil Salgado and their children Gordon (wife Courtney, daughter Amelia and son Aaron) and Susan Salgado Emerick (husband Justin) as well as many extended loved ones that are part of the Tombari and Monk families. Dorothy passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. She was looking forward to the day she could reunite with her beloved family and friends whom have passed before her. She spoke often of seeing her husband Henry, daughter Donna, her parents and siblings, and many members of her family and friends. Her family here will miss her dearly. We love you Mom/Grammie/Aunt Dorothy and hope your days are now filled with lots of sugary treats, conversations with your loved ones long passed and a full heart knowing that those of us still here will cherish the memories we have together until its time to see you again. The family wanted to extend a special thank you to the staff at Riverview Retirement Facility for the wonderful love and care they showed Dorothy for the seven years she was there. The kindness and heartfelt good-byes that were shared in her last few days were incredibly touching and something we will never forget. A graveside service will be held on Thursday December 14th at 2:00pm at Fairmount Memorial Park located at 5200 W. Wellesley, Spokane, WA and a memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, December 15th at 10:30am at Manito United Methodist located at 3220 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203. Flowers can be sent to Manito United Methodist or donations can be made to the church in her name.
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