Gerry Tharp

February 13, 1932 - June 21, 2010

Gerry Tharp Obituary (Age 78) Entered into rest on June 21, 2010 in Spokane, WA. Mom passed away peacefully after suffering a massive stroke. She was born February 13, 1932 to Al and Frances Burchard in Chinook, MT. Mom graduated from Bigfork High School and went on to become an X-ray Technician. While she was working at the clinic in Kalispell she met H. Zophar "Zo" Tharp and they were married on September 29, 1955. Mom and Dad built their dream home on Weile Ave where they lived their entire lives. Being the first house in the neighborhood, Mom became the matriarch having lived there almost 50 years. Mom worked as an Avon Lady, a shipping clerk at Precision Propeller Co., at the Eagle's Lodge and later in life at The Kitchen Shoppe and The Copper Colander where she bought just about every kitchen gadget made. Mom and Dad enjoyed boating on Coeur d'Alene Lake and were charter members of the Maverick Yacht Club or as they fondly referred to it as the Martini Yacht Club. In 1979 Mom was elected Commodore, the first female elected to that position. They cherished the many dear friends they made during their boating years. Thanks for the drum solos Norm! Anyone who knew Mom knew she was passionate about her flowers, feeding the birds and other wildlife in her back yard and she never turned down the opportunity to go to her favorite restaurant - The S.S. Beryl. She also enjoyed decorating with Christmas lights?lots of lights! To her, you could never have too many lights and she taught us that if you squint at the lights you could see the gaps?and then go back and fill them in. Mom was especially happy to be a Great-grandma and enjoyed showing everyone photos of Ava and Brenna. Mom is survived by daughters Zoerene Gembala of Polson, MT and Tracie Hogeboom, Spokane, WA; brothers Jerome Burchard and family, Gainsville, VA and Jim Burchard, Oakland, CA; granddaughters Kristen Walker and family of Winnemucca, NV; Paula Gembala of Kirkland, WA and Patrick Gembala of Polson, MT; nephew Denny Francisco of Bothell, WA and forever son-in-law Bill of Spokane who after her first stroke became her personal assistant and chauffeur taking her to appointments, shopping for clothes, shoes, groceries, flowers and most importantly shopping for her great-granddaughters. She was also survived by many friends and neighbors, all of whom she cherished. Mom was preceded in death by husband Zo Tharp, parents Al and Frances Burchard and niece Joyce Francisco. A special Thank You to Dr. Anya Consiglio and the 3rd Floor West nursing and respiratory care staff at Holy Family Hospital. Your care and concern for Mom was so appreciated. A celebration of Mom's life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Mom's name to Honor Flight, Inc., Attn: Diane Gresse, 300 E Auburn Ave,Springfield, OH 45505 or the WWII Memorial 1-800-639-4WW2.