LeMartha Thorp

LeMartha Thorp, died at the age of 91, in Port Angeles, Wash., on Friday, Oct. 19.

She was born on May 14, 1921, in Ritzville, to John F. and Katherine (Kosanke) Stehr.

She graduated from Northwest Bible Institute in 1942, and married Hjalmar C. Thorp on Oct. 23, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio.

She was a photo oil colorist and retouch artist in Dayton, Ohio, and for four different studios in Port Angeles. She was a pianist and organist for several churches, weddings, funerals, community events, and retreats. She loved God and music. She played piano, pipe organ, marimba, saxophone, tympani, and accordion. She also enjoyed singing solos, duets, and in groups up to octets. She was adept at transposing music and a skilled accompanist. Her vocal and instrumental talents were broadcast by KJR in Seattle, as well as a number of smaller radio stations in Washington.

She and her husband, Hjalmar, provided live musical entertainment over radio in Dayton as well.

She also enjoyed painting, crocheting, sewing, and reading. She worked Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, and other brainteasers. She did not like to cook, but enjoyed cooking shows, and most everything she cooked tasted fantastic.

She enjoyed the honor of acting as pianist and organist at several churches, and was a member of Bethany Pentecostal Church. She traveled with Youth for Christ throughout the northwest, and was a founding member of Port Angeles Women’s Aglow, and was a member of the Christian Women’s Club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Stehr; husband, Hjalmar Thorp; and sister, Luella Eylander and her husband, Rev. Russel Eylander.

She is survived by son, Vaughn N. Thorp of Port Angeles, Wash .; and daughter, Tanya K. Johansen and husband Gunnar.

Services were held on Nov. 3 at Bethany Pentecostal Church, 508 S. Frances St., Port Angeles.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to the Missions Program at Bethany Pentecostal Church, 508 S. Francis St., Port Angeles.