Barbara Sue Thomas

Barbara (known to friends and family as Bobbie, Barbie, Barb, and BaBa) grew up in Rupert, ID with her mom, dad, sister Vicki, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family nearby. Her first job was working for the local Tasty Freeze, owned by her parents, where she learned to peel potatoes faster than anyone. She graduated from Minico H.S., then went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho.

While a student at U of I she met and married Larry Tillman, with whom she had her three children – Kari, Mark and Gena.

Barb and her new family moved to Spokane in 1972 where they purchased the home she remained in to her last day. Once settled, she quickly adopted Spokane as her forever home and threw herself into volunteering, which remained a driving force throughout her life.

Her volunteer career began in her children’s schools as an active PTA member, a Camp Fire leader for both of her daughters, a weekly classroom helper, an organizer of Senior All-Nighters, and second mom to so many kids – in other words a very involved mom.

After her children graduated high school Barb looked for a new platform to direct her volunteer efforts. Her friend Gary, with whom she had worked with on her last senior all-nighter, told her that he had just the thing, and introduced her to Kiwanis.

As everyone who knows Barb is aware, Kiwanis became her life’s passion. She loved the friendships, comradery, laughter and good works these clubs brought to the community. Barb found a home with many local clubs of Kiwanis, to include the Country Homes, Deer Park, and North East clubs. She often proudly announced that she had been the first woman to join the Country Homes club, and was a founding member of the Deer Park club.

While a member of the Country Homes Kiwanis club, she met and married her second husband, Wayne Thomas. Wayne and Barb shared many years of dancing, laughter and singing together. Wayne introduced her to another set of wonderful friends - the Minstrels singing group. She so enjoyed the friends she made with this talented group, as well as their performances where they brought joy and laughter to so many.

During her years of marriage to Wayne she worked at Spokane Pump, owned by fellow-Kiwanian Cresti. Cresti and Barb forged a strong and enduring friendship through their shared love of Kiwanis and experiences growing up in Rupert, ID. Barb loved all of the people working at Spokane Pump, and never really thought of it as a job, but more of a place of friends.

Barb also spent many years as a volunteer at the Spokane Prosecutor’s office where she was an advocate for seniors and children. Here is where she found yet another set of incredible friends – Lory, Mary and Linda. These wonderful ladies became her “gal-pals” with whom she shared such fun and friendship.

Barb lived a life of friendship, fun, laughter and service through volunteering. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children – Kari (Chad), Mark (Sarah), and Gena (Paul), as well as three grandchildren – Jason, Victoria (aka Tori), and Samantha who all lovingly called her Grandma Green. Her smile and laughter will forever live within those who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours for the public will be held Thursday November 12th 11 am – 12:30 pm at Ball & Dodd funeral home located at 5100 West Wellesley Ave.

Due to COVID restrictions we invite friends and family to watch the funeral via livestream on Thursday November 12, 2020 at 1:00 pm (Pacific time) accessible at

https://m.facebook.com/BallandDodd/

Barbara will be buried at Riverside Memorial Park, Spokane, Washington, overlooking the Spokane River.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to the Northeast Kiwanis club at

https://spokanekiwanis.com/Page/7953

and click the yellow "Donate" button near the bottom of the Kiwanis page.