Phyllis Thurlow, 87

Phyllis Jean Thurlow, 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Private family services have been held.

Phyllis was born July 16, 1936, in Douglas, Wyo., to Ernest and Bessie Bricker. She grew up and attended schools in Sandpoint. She graduated from Sandpoint High School, where she served as editor of the school newspaper, the Cedar Post.

After high school she worked in Spokane as a secretary for Dun and Bradstreet. Phyllis married Gerald Thurlow on Oct. 24, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Sandpoint. 

A person who threw herself wholeheartedly into all of her efforts, Phyllis was a stellar mother who grew a garden, cooked beautifully, canned and provided fun and celebratory holidays for her children and husband. Her motto throughout life was, "If you put your mind to it, you can do anything," and that's how she lived. She was active in the P.T.A. and Bonner County Historical Society and served as an election poll worker for many years. She was also a good businesswoman, running a summer fruit business, managing Thurlow Pole Inspection Agency and owning A&P Mini Storage for 30 years.

Phyllis was an active and social person who spearheaded annual summer family reunions for her large extended family. She also enjoyed bowling league, pinochle clubs, traveling and especially collecting antiques and objects of beauty. 

She is survived by her son, Douglas Thurlow of Valencia, Calif.; daughter, Cynthia Thurlow (Patrick Roark) of Vashon, Wash.; two grandsons, Jakeob and Jared of Valencia; her twin brother, Phillip "Shorty" Bricker of Sandpoint; brother, Wayne Bricker of Superior, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry Thurlow, son Chris Thurlow and 10 siblings.

Lakeview Funeral Home of Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Phyllis’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.