Thea Voyles

Thea Leona Peterson - Voyles, age 89, passed away in her home on January 22, 2024, in Yakima, WA. She was born on July 1, 1934, in Bhul, ID to Clarence and Elsie Lousignont. Thea was a very giving and loving person who believed in forgiveness. She always cared and prayed for her loved ones. She was known for her spunky and bull-headed nature, making sure there was never a dull moment. Her favorite colors were blue and white. She had a fondness for red roses, the Holy Bible, and the book "Airport" by Arthur Hailey. Thea's favorite songs were "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." She loved her TV programs, her favorite being M*A*S*H. Thea attended Wapato and Toppenish High School. She had a diverse career that began with working in a movie theater, then as a dishwasher, followed by a job in canning at Libby's Canry. However, her true passion was being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a role she held for an impressive 50 years. Thea was a member of the First Baptist Church in Union Gap, WA, where she worshipped. She found joy in attending church every Sunday, alongside her love for racing. Racing became an integral part of her life when she married Clarence (Pete), her first husband. She passed just one day before their 71st wedding anniversary (1/23/1953), we’d like to think she made it there in time to celebrate with him. She continued to support her grandchildren who also raced cars, and it was at the racetrack where she met her third husband, Troy, while watching both their grandson's race. Thea and Troy were together for 20 wonderful years, they married in 2007. They took care of each other and loved each other very much. Thea and Troy enjoyed camping, going on road trips and working in the yard together, as well as decorating. The thing she was most thankful for in life was her family. Thea is survived by her daughters Cathy R. (Stan) Baker, Barbara J. Little, Sandy L. Beaman, Tina M. Crume, and her stepdaughters LeighAnn (Russ) Wathen, and Beth Voyles. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Shara (Bill) Burris, Erick Marsh, Crystal Little, Ashley (Eric) Appleby, Chet (Jessica) Beaman, Zack (Ashlee) Beaman, Ericka (Jesse) Mackey, Cameron McBride, Taylor McBride, and step-grandchildren Sarah (Daniel) Topov, Garrett (Makayla) Langston, and Zach Lewis, as well as numerous great-grandchildren. Thea was preceded in death by her husband's Clarence Peterson (father to her four daughters), Ron Herron, and Troy Voyles, her mother Elsie, father Clarence, sister Florence, her brother Leroy, grandson Nathan, granddaughter Elizabeth, and son in law Eddie. A memorial service will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home on February 17th, 2024. This is a private service for family and close friends only, per Thea’s wishes. A celebration of Thea's life will be held on June 30th, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Union Gap, WA at 2:00pm. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Noah's Ark, First Baptist Church, or Our Daily Bread, all of which were her favorite charitable organizations. The Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima, WA, is assisting the family with the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thea Voyles, please visit our flower store.