Josephine Elaine Thaut was born on March 9, 1943 in Colville, Washington to Harold and Helen Anderson. Known as “Joey” to many in her life, and as Elaine to family, she passed away on December 16, 2017 at her home in Dayton. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William James. Joey is survived by her sister Aleta (Kent) Shockley of Dayton, son Scott (Paula) of Rosalia, grandson Derek (Valerie) of Colfax, a great-granddaughter, two nephews, great nephews, a great niece, and numerous friends.

Shortly after the Anderson family moved from Colville to Dayton in 1963, Joey moved to Lake Tahoe where she became a card dealer in the casinos. From there Joey moved into the field of marketing for a major hotel chain. She also was able to exercise her creativity in interior decorating and design for the hotels and traveled to various locations around the world. She lived for extended times in Southeast Asia and in Egypt. When she could, Joey took her beloved pup Puttatu and cat Norrea on her travels. Joey served several years on the Nevada State Gaming Commission, and in 2001, she was elected and served as mayor of West Wendover, Nevada for several years.

In 2010 Joey returned to Dayton to assist in providing care for their mother in her final years. Joey herself was a cancer survivor and a success story to some new and innovative treatments and medical procedures. She became a determined advocate for others who faced cancer.

Throughout her life Joey explored her interest in art and creatively expressed herself through gardening and whimsical creations, designs and caricatures, some of which have been on display locally. She loved gourmet foods and cooking, enjoyed celebrations with good food, and saw art in virtually everything. Joey’s own interests led her to support creative development for kids, and she often provided art supplies and projects for the kids and young people at her local church, encouraging all to explore their own creativity. Joey designed art to accompany our Vacation Bible School themes for the past few years. She loved fashionable clothing, especially shoes, and shared her thoughts and ideas about such things with those she knew best.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, April 19, at Dayton First Congregational Church-United Church of Christ where Joey had been an active and supportive friend. The Rev. Marj Johnston will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joey’s memory to the campership fund at First Congregational Church-UCC, 214 S 3rd Street, Dayton, WA 99328.