Theresa Gautschi-Ainsworth

Theresa Gautschi-Ainsworth

Camas, WA. - Theresa Gautschi-Ainsworth, 56, passed away too soon on January 3, 2018 in Camas, Washington.

Theresa was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to Walter and Erika Gautschi, formerly of Basel, Switzerland. The family moved to West Lafayette in 1963, the year Walter began teaching at Purdue University. Theresa was the second child and first daughter for Walter and Erika. Theresa has an older brother, Tom Gautschi (wife: Barb) of Arlington Heights, IL, and two younger sisters, Doris Fulwider (husband: Steve) and Cari Carpenter (husband: Dan). Theresa graduated from Jefferson High School in 1979, where she excelled as a diver for the swim team.

Upon completion of high school, Theresa began college at St. Joseph's near Rensselaer, Indiana. While her first attempt at college was too soon for her, she began working at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive (now called Subaru of Indiana Automotive) in the early years after their opening in 1989. She worked second shift and long hours on the trim line. During this same period, she also graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision in 1991.

Upon graduating and working at SIA, Theresa's family plans moved her from Lafayette to several different states, including Ohio, North Carolina, and Minnesota. The loves of her life were born during this time. Her daughter, Emily Ainsworth, was born August 22, 1994 in Mayfield Heights, OH. Her son, Keith Ainsworth, was born May 6, 1997 in Anoka, MN. She was a stay-at-home mom for her family. Her children were her life and she enjoyed watching them play sports, such as baseball for Keith and soccer for Emily. The family settled in Washington State for the final 15 years of her life.

After moving to Washington, Theresa began working in the cafeteria for the Camas School District. She was also a teacher's aide for several of the classes within the school. She remained at this occupation until her death.

Theresa's hobbies included sewing projects, cooking, photography, and not exercising. She had a dream of going back to school for culinary arts. She was a strong woman who accomplished more than she realized. She is an inspiration to those who knew her and those who miss her deeply. She had an amazing impact on others and will be honored in various ways for many years to come.

Surviving are her parents, brother and sisters, her children Emily and Keith, and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their "Aunt Teesa".

In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider donating funds or time to a domestic violence and verbal abuse intervention program such as through the Lafayette YWCA or donate funds to the Mental Health America Association (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net).