Carla Jean Thurlow

Carla’s 14 year journey with dementia (FTD) ended June 5, 2022 as she entered God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Carla was born in Spokane on November 11,1951 to Elmer and Jeanne (Reopelle) Utecht. She grew up in Veradale WA attending Central Valley Schools. She graduated in 1970 from Central Valley High and then attended Washington State University and graduated in 1974 with a BA in Education. Carla‘s strong Christian faith, enthusiastic care for others, her kindness and patience were ideal characteristics for her chosen career of teaching. She specialized in early childhood education. She worked for Liberty Park Day Care for 10 years as a teacher and director. In 1988, she married Ron Thurlow and moved to Lebanon, OR. She worked as an early childhood associate teacher at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, OR. In 1991, she and Ron moved back to Spokane where she worked for Spokane County Head Start in various teaching positions. Carla worked there for the rest of her career, which was cut short in June 2008, after being diagnosed with early onset dementia. Carla is survived by her husband Ron; sister Rhonda Dunagan (Neil); brother Terry Utecht (Jamie) and 9 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father and mother; brother Ron Utecht and sister Judy Schmidt. Many thanks go to the staff at Good Samaritan Society, who took care of Carla for the last 9 years. Thanks also goes to Hospice of Spokane. A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 16th, 10 am-12 pm at Thornhill Valley Chapel,1400 S Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA, followed by a graveside service at 12:30 pm at Pines Cemetery. A memorial service will be held the following day on Friday, June 17th at 11 am, at Valley Assembly, 15618 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity that helps children. Online condolences may be expressed at Thornhillvalley.com.