THELMA LUCILLE (CURTIS) MILBRATH COATES
August 2, 1917 ~ February 11, 2013
Thelma Lucille (Curtis) Milbrath Coates, 95, of Vancouver, WA, passed away at home on Feb. 11, 2013. She was born in Buckley, WA on Aug. 2, 1917 to William and Lucille (Lamb) Curtis.
Thelma graduated from college in Ellensburgh, WA (now known as Central Washington University) with a degree in Teaching. She was the first Special Education teacher in Clark County.
Thelma was a former Grand Chief of the Pythians and enjoyed crafts, crochet, craft bazaars, and playing card games (very well).
Thelma is survived by her daughters, Patricia Morales (Andres) and Billie Edwards; grandchildren, Darlene Myers (Randy), Travis Edwards, Shyla Middleton (Steve), Marcus Morales (Robyn), Mona Kelly (Sheridan) and Andy Morales Jr. (Marina); 11 great-grandchildren; and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her 2nd husband, Keith Coates and first husband, Kenneth Milbrath.
A funeral service will be Sat., Feb. 16, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
lovely sweet lady
Donna Leonard
February 7, 2023
I have always known you Thelma as "Grandma". Marcus is my son-in-law and your daughter Patti I consider a dear friend. You have been a beacon of light to those who truly love you and that includes many. Your passion for Special Ed children speaks to my passion as well. That makes you special in my heart. Rest gently sweet one knowing you are loved always. Sharon Frasier
February 20, 2013
You will be missed always here and your spirit will not be forgotten, I will miss most of all is you giving me a smile and a hello when I get home and playing cards with you... and you never "cheated." You will always be the most intelligent and humorus person I have ever known, I love you Gram. :)
Trevor Edwards
February 17, 2013
In Loving Memory God looked around his garden and He found an empty place. He looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw that the road was getting rough and the little hills hard to climb so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, " Peace Be Thine". It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
February 17, 2013
My Pythian Sister, Thelma, was one of the kindest ladies I've known. There are so many great memories we had together. Say "HI" to Mom & Marguret when you get to heaven.
Love to the family.
Vicki Putnam
February 15, 2013
To my dear Gram. You will be missed here on this earth. Now that you are on your next journey I am leaving this poem in your honor as I know you will be around all of us even now when we need you. A Poem by Harry Scott Holand. Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. All is Well.
Robyn
February 15, 2013
Thelma, I will miss you! My prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time. "Good morning, Sunshine!"
Chris James
February 15, 2013
Mrs. Milbrath, as I knew her then, was my Kindergartner teacher in the Fall of 1958 at Hough School. She was the reason I looked so forward to coming into class every morning. She is the one teacher I always remembered the most fondly. I am so sorry for your loss of such a Gentle, and Loving Mother.
Pamela Gaylord
February 15, 2013
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jerry Gough
February 14, 2013
Grandma Thelma, you are missed every day. Your independent spirit lives on in each of us. It has been an honor knowing and loving you.
Shyla Middleton
February 14, 2013
Thelma, I always think of you when I hear Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turneth away wrath." I'll always remember you and miss your loving presence.
~ Ron Edwards
February 14, 2013
To my grand dad's wonderful wife. She was a beautiful person and loved by all.
Bernie Lewis
February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet cheeks. I love you and miss you. Dar
Darlene Myers
February 14, 2013
To my mother, my best friend, the teacher of life, and the most giving person, now at peace. Love ya and will always miss you.
Billie
February 14, 2013
Bill & Katie Mathews
February 13, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to Thelma's family. You took such good care of Thelma and helped her to continue doing the things she loved as long as she was able.
Donna Leonard
February 13, 2013
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