Mickey Thayer

Marilyn June "Mickey" Thayer, 87, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away peacefully at her home on April 5, 2018. A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Ellensburg, followed by a Celebration of Life starting at 1:00 p.m. at the McIntosh Ranch.

Mickey was born on November 10, 1930 in Ellensburg to Bert & Grace (Calhoon) Nuckles. She grew up in Ellensburg and graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1949. She met Chuck Thayer at a dance and the couple married on November 9, 1949. They made their home in Ellensburg and in the 1960's they bought a small farm in the Manastash. After Chuck passed away in 2013, Mickey sold the farm and moved to her cottage at Pacifica Senior Living.

Mickey worked for Central Washington University Dining Services as the head cook at the student union building for just over 20 years. She also drove school bus for Lord's Academy at St. Andrew's Church and her children remember having to get up and ready for school far earlier than their peers because they had to ride the bus into town. The family also spent many hours outdoors camping (Mickey's favorite camping destination was Green Canyon), fishing and frying freshly caught fish over the fire.

Mickey's hobbies included tending to her moss roses, planting and maintaining a large garden that she freely gave the bounty from to others, picking apples and apricots from the trees on the farm as well as raising various animals - sheep, cattle, horses and ducks. She and Chuck were also ardent supporters and attendees of the Ellensburg Rodeo, for over 60 years and was an early member of the Rodeo Valley Riders.

Mickey absolutely loved the time spent with her family, particularly her grandchildren, and would always have games for them to play when they'd come visit - Boce Ball, lawn darts or even making kites. She was also a huge supporter of her grandchildren's 4-H endeavors - watching them raise, show and sell their animals. Her grandchildren also have fond memories of the birthday cakes she would bake and decorate specifically for them based on their interests at the time. She was a fantastic cook who will be remembered by her grandchildren for her jam - a special Christmas gift they each got every year; by her children for her amazing fried chicken and by many at CWU for her amazing clam chowder. She will also be remembered for making fresh cookies every day and for her insatiable sweet tooth.

Although Mickey wasn't much of a drinker, she did observe the Wednesday Happy Hour, starting promptly at 5pm, as well as what she'd call "Friday Night Toots". Mickey will be remembered by her family and friends as one of the kindest and gentlest souls they've ever known. Even while on Hospice care, she was very gracious to all those helping her and would always tell them "thank you" with a smile. We are so blessed to have a large, caring, loving and close family. We are strong, we are there for each other. We could be called the "helicopter kids" - we hovered over her the only way we knew how - to show her our love and respect. We are proud to treat her the same way she treated us growing up.

Mickey is survived by her children, Joline Thayer of Granite Falls, Susan (Darrell) Johnson, Gayle (Scott) McIntosh, Tracy (Tom) Henderson, Carrie (Jim) Seaton and Clayton (Kathy) Thayer, all of Ellensburg; grandchildren Kara Looker, Chad Johnson, Tara Brown, Charlie McIntosh, Cody McIntosh, Justin Henderson, Brooke Harwood, Haley Seaton, Mick Thayer and Ali Thayer, Kari Finney, as well as eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended. She is also survived by her sister Dixie Johnson. Mickey was preceded in death by her husband Chuck; infant son Jefferey Scott Thayer; her parents five siblings - Charlotte Smelcer, Fern Smith, Dorothy Phillips, Bert Nuckles and Don Nuckles, as well as her granddaughter Michelle Gregerich. Memorial contributions in Mickey's honor are suggested to Hospice Friends, 302 S. Main Street, Ellensburg or for the benefit of the FISH Backpack Program, c/o St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 401 S. Willow, Ellensburg. Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mickey's family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.steward-williams.com