Kristy Diane Thode, 72

Kristy Diane Thode, 72, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away June 30, 2024, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Kristy was born Dec. 6, 1951, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Donald and Laveda (Jordan) Ziegler. She was the third of four children, having two sisters and a brother. Kristy grew up in Coeur d’Alene attending Borah Elementary, Coeur d’Alene Junior High, and graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1970.

Kristy was known as a “free spirit” and never had a problem making friends. She was loving, creative, funny and always game for just about anything. Halloween was her favorite holiday, and she is known for her many award-winning costumes!

Kristy and her 2-year-old daughter, Angela, moved to Boise in 1972, where she met her husband-to-be, John Thode. John and Kristy married in November 1973 in Lake Tahoe, Nev. They moved to Missoula, Mont., and operated “Little Big Man Pizza” for several years. They added to their family with the birth of Ryan in 1974.

Coeur d’Alene was calling their name, so they gave up the pizza life and settled in Coeur d’Alene in 1978. Kristy opened a card and gift store on Sherman Avenue, adjacent to Hudson’s Hamburgers, named “The Paper Toad.” However, upon visiting Hawaii in 1986, Kristy fell in love with the islands and the family moved to Maui!

Kristy’s retail ventures were always successful. Not only “The Paper Toad” but she, at a later date, owned a shop in Ballard, Wash., called “Best Regards” and a second shop in Coeur d’Alene named “The Card Tramp.” Her creativity and outgoing personality, especially her laugh, added to her success.

Kristy finally moved back to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to her parents. It was important to her to be able to spend time with them as they grew older. However, memory issues started plaguing her and she was ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her last few years were difficult, but she didn’t lose her smile or her laugh!! Kristy was loved by so many and she, and her infectious laugh, will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her mother, Laveda Ziegler of Coeur d’Alene; daughter, Angela of Maui; grandsons, Jordan (Malia) and Justin (Samantha); two great-grandsons, Kolu and Landan, all of Maui; sisters, Doneda Allen and Gail Wilson; brother, Craig (Dar) Ziegler; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kristy is preceded in death by her son, Ryan (2020), husband John (2021) and father Don (2023).

The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Ridge Senior Living who took such loving care of her; also, Hospice of North Idaho, who made her last days comfortable and respectable.

A visitation/viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave, Hayden, ID 83835. Her funeral will be the next day, at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Yates — Hayden Chapel. A reception will follow the funeral service.

If you would like to make a donation in Kristy’s name, please consider Orchard Ridge Senior Living, 624 W. Harrison Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (www.theorchardcda.org) or Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org)

Please visit Kristy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.