LaVi Alder Thomas

LaVi Alder Thomas LaVi Alder Thomas, 79, passed away June 22, 2008 in Boise, Idaho, after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Gothrup, brother Louis Alder and sister Marise Alder. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Julie and Kevin Woolum, granddaughters Lecia Negaard, Keira Negaard (Paul Anderson), Tanya Cope (Jeff Cope), great-grandchildren Austin Negaard-Walters, Rachel Anderson, Joel and Violette Cope, brother and sister-in-law Larry and Connie Alder and nieces and nephews. LaVi was born in Buhl, Idaho on July 21, 1928 to Orin J. and Viola L. Alder. The family later moved to Boise where she attended school and graduated from Boise High in 1946. As a teenager she played softball and was a member of the 1st womens softball team to go to the national championships. She moved to Nevada in 1954 and lived in the Reno/Tahoe area for 53 years. She was employed at Harrah's Casino for 42 years beginning as a 21 dealer and then retiring as a Floor Supervisor. She loved the gaming business and loved teaching new employees the ropes. Mom loved to garden and was proud to become an accredited Master Gardener. She also was a member of an investment club and encouraged her family and friends to invest in their future. Mom was the most interested and interesting person I've ever known. She leaves behind many friends in the Reno area. She was a class act, loved and admired by all. Mom always had numerous pets (sometimes too many!!), rescued strays, pets whose owners had died and unwanted litters of kittens. She loved her "fur-kids"! In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to the Humane Society, ASPCA or animal shelter of your choice. A family memorial will be held in Boise at her granddaughter Lecia's home on July 5th and a memorial will be held in Reno at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Society of Idaho.