Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery - Lacey

5930 Mullen Rd SE

Lacey, Washington

Gayle Thronson Obituary

Barbara Gayle Thronson On Monday, February 25, 2013, Barbara Gayle Thronson, age 61, passed away after an 18 month fight with Cholangiocarcinoma. Gayle was at home in Lacey, WA, surrounded by her family, when she quietly passed to the Lord. Gayle was born on October 5, 1951, to Galan and Barbara (Yerxa) Gilyard, in Wenatchee, Washington. Gayle was the second of four children and earned the nickname "pixie" at a young age as she was always smiling and ready to cause trouble. Gayle moved with her parents and siblings from Wenatchee to Omak at a young age, attended elementary school in Omak, and then moved back to Wenatchee to finish elementary school, middle school and graduating from Wenatchee High School. From a very young age, Gayle displayed a strong independence. She would arise early in the morning, saddle her horse and ride off by herself up in the hills of the Wenatchee Valley. She was an avid adventurer, from fishing with her father to hiking and mountain climbing with family and friends. Gayle was active in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls rising to state level officer while in high school. She attended Wenatchee Valley College and obtained an Associate in Arts in 1972. Gayle transferred to Washington State University, Spokane, earning a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing from the Intercollegiate School of Nursing in 1974. In 1974, Gayle married Howard Thronson, a graduate of the University of Washington, and began a 38 1/2 year partnership. In 2001, Gayle received her Masters of Education Administration from Pacific Lutheran University. During her professional career Gayle worked at St John Medical Center, Longview; Swedish Hospital, Seattle; Clallam County Health Dept., Forks, Forks Community Hospital, Quillayute Valley School District, Forks; the Olympia School District; ESD 113, Olympia; and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia, as the Health Services Program Manager and State School Nurse Consultant. Gayle received numerous state and national awards for her dedication and leadership in student health issues. She was an Honored Affiliate Faculty with the School of Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University and had been the Graduate Student Commencement speaker in 2001 when she received her Master's Degree. Gayle was selected by the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants as the 2012 Outstanding State School Nurse Consultant of the Year. Gayle and Howard have two children, Erik Bjorn and Krista Anne Francis (Jason). They have three granddaughters, Alanah, Marah, and Mia and one grandson, Erik Byrd. Gayle had a strong value for her faith and her family. One of her passionate belief statements is "The essential things are invisible to the eyes and must be regarded with the heart." Gayle valued compassion, sacrifice and forgiveness. She had a strong Christian faith throughout her life and was an active member of Christ The Servant Lutheran Church in Lacey. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 2:00 pm, in the Norman Worthington Conference Center, Saint Martin's University, Lacey, WA. Donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.Cholangiocarcinoma.org) in lieu of flowers, if you wish. Additional information can be found on the Woodlawn Funeral Home web page, www.woodlawn-funeralhome.com.

Published by The Olympian on Mar. 3, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Gayle Thronson

Not sure what to say?





I think of Gayle often. We worked together at Forks Community Hospital, went to church together at Prince of Peace Lutheran in Forks. and were in the same pinochle group that met each month - losers cooked for the winners! A fun time.

Judith P Sullivan

Friend

February 25, 2023

On behalf of the WSU (Intercollegiate) College of Nursing we extend our deepest condolences to all the members of Gayle's family. She will be missed by the nursing community!

March 21, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of Gayles passing. I have thought of her many times over the years since I left The Nurse Corps. Gayle is an amazing woman and made more than a little impact on my life. I feel blessed to have known her.
May her family find peace and comfort during this time, and throughout their lives knowing the impact Gayle has left has ripple effects that are immeasurable.

Sue Daniels

March 16, 2013

Gayle was our school district nurse in the '70s & early 80's (if I'm remembering correctly). I re-connected with her at a Readiness To Learn conference a few years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Sandy Heinrich

March 11, 2013

My sympathies to you, Howard, Krista and Bjorn and your exended families. So sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. Even though we have moved from the Olyjmpia area, I have thought of you all with fond remembrances. I enjoyed last seeing Gayle when she was a graduate student at PLU. Tragic loss way too soon of a great and wise woman.

Pat Bieber

March 7, 2013

Howard, Bjorn and Krista - I just got word of Gayle's passing this evening and I was sooooo sorry to hear of (y)our loss. Having the opportunity to know her through church and all the events we participated in, especially the women's retreats, gave me a chance to see what a very special lady she was. May you find much comfort in the many wonderful memories I'm sure you cherish during this time. I hope to see you at the memorial on the 17th. In the meantime, know that you are being held close in prayer!

Jean Summers

March 7, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. I remember our working days at Forks Hospital, our days at church and don't forget the monthly pinochle games and the dinners the losers cooked for us winners! I also had many chats with her when she was at OSPI and I was school nurse in Forks. I remember when your kids were born and how proud and happy she was. She was a special lady and she will be missed. May your friends, family and faith comfort you at this sad time.

Judy Sullivan

March 4, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. She was a loving and dedicated person who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Becky Sullivan

March 4, 2013

I am so blessed to have known Gayle. From church camp to a wonderful surprise- having her as the camp nurse at cyspus!!! Then, another wonderful thing, I became related to her by marrying her nephew who thought of her as a second mom. That's who she was so so many people- friends and family alike. A second mom. A wonderful person. An inspiration and a mentor. A blessing to us all. We miss you Aunt Gayle. Smile at us from Heaven and we'll see you again. Someday...

Hillary Jonas

March 4, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Gayle's passing. I worked with her on school health issues as part of an OSPI/DOH partnership. She was so thoughtful, interested and willing to learn. Her perspective and ideas were always helpful and made a positive difference. She was great to work with and a lovely person. Best wishes to the family.

Jan Fleming

March 3, 2013

I am so sorry to read about Gayle's passing. I was fortunate to have met Gayle when she was working at the Olympia School District. She was always a smiling and caring lady and cared so much for the students she served. She will be missed by many.

Peggy Dunn

March 3, 2013

I am saddened by Gayle's passing. I worked with her at Jefferson Middle School. She was always a bright light and lots of fun. Peace, Gayle.

Teri Murphy

March 3, 2013

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Gayle Thronson's name

Memorial Events
for Gayle Thronson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery - Lacey

5930 Mullen Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503

How to support Gayle's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gayle Thronson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more