Inez A. Droz-Thorington

Inez A. Droz-Thorington, 92, a resident of Wenatchee, WA and Palisades, WA for approximately 47 years, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on July 25, 2013. Inez Adelia Callan was born on February 7, 1921, in Bossburg, WA, the oldest of three children born to Thomas Adolph Callan and Myrtle Lillian Rasmusen. All Inez's life, she lived beside the great Columbia River. Inez was a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and grew up on the Colville Indian Reservation, in an area known as Kelly Hill, until she was 18 years of age. From her Danish-German, first generation, American mother and her Irish-Indian father she experienced a strong, colorful, sturdy and inspirational foundation, which centered on her parent's extraordinary and lifelong marital relationship. Life was hard in the early years. As a child and teenager, Inez excelled at horsemanship and spent recreation time riding bareback on her horse, Fritz, for countless hours along with her sister, Gladys, in the mountains, pastures, fields and banks along the river. At that time, her younger brother, Don, was too young to keep up with his older sisters, who would often ride their horses all day. Inez graduated from Marcus High School in 1939. She rode the bus 36 miles each way. The bus passed the site of the Hudson's Bay Company store and fort. Inez met her husband, Bernerd Harvey Droz, when she worked in Colville. They married September 10, 1944, after which they moved to Pullman, WA, where her husband finished college. While in Pullman, Inez learned to play Bridge and was Vice-President of University Dames. It was during those college years, 1945, when their first son, Rex, was born. After college, the family moved to Colville, WA for two years and then to Wenatchee, WA. Inez became a member of the Central Christian Church and involved with the Ladies of Kiwanis, United Way campaigns, Little Art Gallery, director of the Washington State Art Exhibition, member of Children's Orthopedic Hospital Auxiliary "J", Wenatchee Community Chorus, Wenatchee Music Theatre production of "The King and I" and Wenatchee Golf and Country Club. She and Bernie had another baby boy, Robin, in 1955. It was at Webb's Shoppe in Wenatchee that she found her niche in retail which became her lifelong career. From the owner, Fyrne Webb, Inez learned the fine art of fashion. Inez, Bernie and their son, Robin moved to Vancouver, WA in approximately 1965. Inez continued to pursue her career in fashion, first working for the Clothes Horse and then for Nordstrom Best, in Portland, OR, one of the most outstanding fashion companies in the country. Inez coordinated men's wardrobes, managed the famous Polo Shop, was designated Company All-Star and a member of the prestigious Pace Setter Club. Because of her high sales record, impressive customer service, and unparalleled public relations, she was frequently asked to tell her own story of blue-ribbon performance to different store departments and outside companies such as Pacific NW Bell. She felt privileged to be asked to speak to all personnel when new Nordstrom stores opened across the country. Inez retired in 1984, and she and her husband moved to Palisades, WA. She went to work for Mills Brothers men's clothing store in Wenatchee and enjoyed a second impressive career. She retired again in the late 1990's. Out of respect for her rich Indian heritage, she then decided to give her remaining years of service to her people, the Colville Confederated Tribes, and formed her own company, Arrowhead West. She provided consulting services to entrepreneurs, employees and professional members of the tribe. When speaking to the Colville tribal youth, she offered a message of hope and courage. She motivated and encouraged her audience to reach for the stars. On October 13, 1999, her husband, Bernie, passed away. Inez married Harry S. Thorington of Palisades, WA on June 5, 2000. Harry passed away in 2008. Inez moved to Wenatchee, where she resided until her death. This very shy, little part Indian girl left the Indian Reservation to become a top salesperson for Nordstrom, a customer service counselor and public speaker. What an honor to know her, not only as a mother figure, but as grandmother, a sister and friend who cared deeply for others. Inez never knew a stranger. Inez was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Rex in 2004; her husbands, Bernie and Harry; and her brother, Don Callan. She is survived by her son, Robin Humbert-Droz of Portland, OR; her sister, Gladys Collins (Forrest) of Colville, WA; daughter-in-law, Susan Droz Rankin (Robert) of East Wenatchee; grandson, Lt. Col. Joshua Droz and his wife, Lt. Col. Lindsay and their children, Kara, Tristan and Victoria of Goldsboro, NC; granddaughter, Major Sarah Babbitt and her husband, Major William of Abilene, TX; dear friend and step-son, Steve Thorington of Rock Island, WA; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many precious friends. Services for Inez will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2013, at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

Inez A. Droz-Thorington

February 7, 1921 - July 25, 2013