Martha Thorp

February 10, 1939 - September 28, 2013 Valley Hills Funeral Home Marty Thorp, 74, of Yakima passed away September 28, 2013. Marty was born in Berwyn, IL to Paul and Helen Miller (deceased). Marty lived in Riverside, IL, Lincoln, NE, Wichita, KS, and Sequim, WA before moving to Yakima in 1979 to go to work at Sundown M Ranch. Marty met and married G. David “Dave” Thorp in 1982. Dave predeceased her in 2008. Prior to joining Sundown M Ranch Marty worked as a classified copy controller at the Chicago Sun Times, Academic Secretary to the Dean of the Graduate School, Wichita State University and court clerk and paralegal in Clallam County. Although it took 44 years, Marty was particularly proud of completing her Bachelor of Art degree from Washington State University. Through her 26 year career with Sundown M Ranch Marty helped thousands of individuals discover freedom and blessings of recovery. She worked to develop programs specifically to meet the needs of women and worked extensive with families. She will always be remembered for her lively lectures, especially her “Pacman” lecture, for her ability to listen and her insightfulness and of course for her sometimes-acerbic wit. In addition to her work with patients, Marty was a mentor to two generations of counselors. Her efforts were recognized when the Central Washington Treatment Providers Alliance honored her with the creation of the Marty Thorp Family Healing Award presented annually to a Chemical Dependency Professional whose work improves the lives of families. The award was first presented in 2005 to Marty’s dear friend Elly Patnode. Marty enjoyed spending time with friends, helping Dave develop their Burbank property, rescuing dogs and cats, playing the piano and guitar, writing music and poetry, painting, and being “commissioner” of the Rainbow Cove Fantasy Football League. Some of her fondest memories include participating in the Rackensack Folk Festival in Mountain View, AR in the 1960’s, a picnic in the rain with Dave, their honeymoon at Kalaloch and spending time with Dave at the home they built on the Burbank. Marty is survived by her step daughter Rebecca and her husband Jason Crieghton, grandchildren Deacon and Piper (Stockton KS); step-son Dan and his wife Dora Thorp, grandchildren Fletcher, Daniel and Justin, great grandson Ryder (Pacific, WA); and her devoted canine companion, Schatze. The family would like to thank all of Marty’s friends for the care and support given her but they especially want to thank Carole Wamsley for always being there and Ruth Reukauf and Jean Brekke for caring for Schatze and bring her to visit every day until Marty’s death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 5, 2013 at 11 AM the Valley Hills Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to BarksRUs Dog Rescue, c/o Selah Veterinary Hospital or Sundown M Foundation. Valley Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please leave your online condolences at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Martha Thorp, please visit our flower store.