Obituary of Imogene Carras

Our Mom, Imogene Carras, born September 25th 1921 in Tacoma WA to Hilda & Frank Thorp, left us peacefully to be with our Lord on October 12th, after 89 years of living life. She graduated in 1939 from Stadium High in Tacoma at which time the family moved to Olympia where her father opened Frank Thorp Motors, a Packard auto dealership. There were 3 jobs she especially enjoyed in life. The first being her work during WWII as an accountant at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis and as their function hostess for all the visiting Big Bands of the time. She was also acknowledged for her superior sales of War Bonds during the period.Returning to Olympia in 1945, she met and married Howard Dietrich, a returning combat vet from the South Pacific campaign. This union produced her first four sons; Greg (Jeanne), Randy (Linda), Chris (Marge) & Steve (Sudawan). Later, after Howard’s accidental death, she married John Carras in 1958. John was a long time chemist and licensed Professional Engineer with the DOT. Together they had her fifth son, David (Kim). The 60’s lead her to her 2nd career working as a buyer for the Timberland Library system where she was very proud of her abilities to negotiate favorable pricing for the library system. From there, she had an opportunity to join forces with Boone & Boone Realty starting her 3rd & favorite career as a Realtor. She was honored as ‘Sales Person Of The Year’ her first year out and went on to earn her Brokers License. She spent the longest part of her real estate career at Evergreen Olympic Coldwell Banker where she retired from the business, with respect and loyalty from hundreds of clients who remained friends the rest of her life. Upon their retirement, they very much enjoyed the rest of their time together between their waterfront home in Olympia, Arizona and their constant travels throughout the US & Europe. At the same time, she used her incredible artistic talents to draw and paint as well as create handmade cards and a large variety of other crafts. She gave her time freely teaching others these crafts at their most favorite 2nd home, Desert Shadows RV Park in Casa Grande, AZ. She was truly a generous & caring person with a legion of friends made and kept around the world. She was predeceased by Howard (7/55), son Randy (11/04) & John (8/05) and is survived by her brother Frank, 4 sons & many grandchildren & great-grand children. A special Thanks to the very concerned & kind caregivers & staff at The Hampton’s, Capital Place, Providence St. Peter’s and Mother Joseph’s. They, like everyone that knew her, enjoyed the constant wit she displayed right up to the end. Please share your memories of Imogene by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.