Alberta Earlene Thares, age 89, of Helena, MT passed away from natural causes June 6, 2015 at Cooney Retirement Home. She left this world to be with her beloved husband, Joe, who passed away 8 days prior.
She married the love of her life, Joseph E. Thares on June 22, 1953, in Great Falls. They spent many years recreating on their house boat in the Gates of the Mountains and later at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake and just enjoying each other’s company. They had one son, Ray.
Earlene was born November 10, 1925, in Great Falls, MT to Earl and Mae Gibson. She grew up and attended schools in Great Falls. She worked for Mountain Bell/ U.S. West Communications, retiring after 25 years of service. Later she became Joe’s secretary at the MIBA. (We often wondered who worked for whom.) They enjoyed travelling all over the United States during this time, loving their work and life.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Earlene had a very OUTGOING personality. She will be remembered by her friends and family as the life of the party. She was always laughing and up to some kind of shenanigans. She made FUN happen. This last year, with failing health and struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s, she still kept the staff at Cooney on their toes and laughing. Her eyes always lit up when Ray and Debbie walked into the room to visit.
Earlene is survived by a son, Ray (Debbie) Thares, of Helena; grandchildren, Raelene (Kumar) Navulur of Frederick, CO, Joe (Chloe) Thares of Alexandria, VA, Neven (Callie) Sather of Helena, Quin (Amanda) Sather of Helena; great grandchildren, Carter and Eliza Navulur and Van Sather; sister-in laws, Sue Gibson, Dorothy Boettcher, Marie Palmer and Kay Thares, all of Greats Falls, MT; and several nephews, nieces. Also Father Ed Hislop and Barb Burner, who she considered her kids and many, many special friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joe; and brother, Gene Gibson. On behalf of the family, we would like to thank Cooney Retirement home, St. Peter’s Hospital and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the care they gave Earlene. We would also like to thank Father Richard, Father Ed, and St. Mary’s not what only you have done for Earlene, but for helping us through this last year.
Earlene will be exiting this world with her husband, Joe, just as they would have wanted it to be. Together they shared life, family, friends and faith. We will be having a double ceremony of their lives together.
The vigil will take place at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a reception to follow at Jorgenson’s, 1720 11th Ave, Helena. There will be a private burial after the Mass at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers; memorials in Earlene’s name are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Earlene.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Guy Schmidt says
Even though I was just a little kid, I remember Earlene as a kind lady. My condolences to Ray and the rest of the family.
Laura Fix says
Dear Ray, Deb, and Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of your wonderful parents. I will always remember how fun it was when you all came to dinner at The River Grille. I also have fond memories of exercising at Curves with Earlene…she was a hoot! God’s speed to them both…..so sad for your loss, so thankful they are together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Carol Bridge says
Ray and Debbie, Earlene hired me at the phone company in 1966. She was always a classy lady and a lot of fun. My prayers are with you and your family for this double loss. Take good care of your selves now and always. Blessings Carol Bridge
JOhn Larson says
Thank’s for the smiles Earline. Rest in peace.
di lindstrand says
Rest in peace dear granny t and joe……two super people!
Mike & Mary Root & Family says
Thares and Sather family and friends you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Truly a love story.
God Bless
The Root’s
Bill and Marlene Wardinsky says
We were good friends of the Thares going back to Butte, Montana. Great memories of them both, could write a book about those days. May they rest in peace. Bill and Marlene Wardinsky
Deb Walter says
Ray & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless. Deb & Steve
Noreen Udall says
Dear Ray, Debbie and Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of your wonderful parents. I worked with Earlene (in the Great Falls office) for the “then” Mountain Bell employment office. When I periodically traveled to work with her in the Helena office, she and Joe always entertained me on their home patio. Wonderful, fun times we had. Lovely, lovely people who will be dearly missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rose Baker Hardman & family says
Now that’s what I call true love. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie and Kelly Jerome says
We had the honor of meeting your parents through painting their deck and railing on their home on Sanders. They were both such delightful people, we shared many conversations with them. Our heartfelt prayers to the family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in you years of loving memories.
Connie and Kelly
Joy Savage Lucht says
Debbie, Ray and family
I’m so very sorry to hear about Earlene. It’s difficult enough to lose one parent but two in just a few days is even harder. Happy memories will help ease the pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joy
Peggy Shepherd says
I am so sorry for your loss. Earlene had such a bubbly personality and I enjoyed being around her. My thoughts are with your family during this time of loss.
Take Care
Peggy
Jim Coolidge says
Ray and Debbie please accept my condolences in your time of need. I’m so very sorry to hear and read of the loss of both your mother and father. I have fond memories of both. Please pass my condolences on to your entire family.
Rev Richard G. Francesco says
It has been a joy to know Earlene. She brought life, love and laughter to the people she met. Prayers and condolences to Ray and Debbie, together with all of Earlene’s loved ones. She and Joe are together again. God bless them.