Glynes (Thurston) Tabach passed away Dec. 6, 2020 at the age of 89. She was born Jan. 19, 1931 to Glen and Minnie (Smith) Thurston in Sumas, Wash.

In 1947, she married Lyle “Swede” Norman. They had two children, Don and Gwen. The marriage ended in 1950.

In 1952, Glynes married Henry “Hank” R. Tabach, who is also known around town as “Toby.” They lovingly created family with Don and Gwen, soon after adding Robert “Bob” and, five years later, Kimberly “Kim.”

Glynes worked for Payless Foods for 21 years as a meat wrapper and later as a cashier.

In 1970, Hank and Glynes purchased Sealeys Tavern in Coupeville, Wash., later naming it Toby’s Tavern. Hank loved it, Glynes not so much.

After selling Toby’s in 1980, Hank and Glynes created Toby’s Country Catering where they met many great, long-lasting friends. No one was a stranger to Hank and Glynes.

In 1995, after selling their family home in Greenbank, Wash., Hank and Glynes moved to Lake Havasu, Ariz. Hank passed suddenly in 2004 and Glynes remained in Arizona before returning to Coupeville in 2011 to be closer to her family.

Glynes was the glue that held the family together while Hank made many deployments while serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy. She had to be both mother and father. She taught her children to have strong moral character and huge ethics. She loved her children and grandchildren immensely and they loved her. She was definitely the strongest woman in the world, and she will be greatly missed.

Glynes is survived by her children, Don Tabach (Pat), of Coupeville, Gwen Hannon, of Poulsbo, Wash., Kim Tresslar (Mike), of Coupeville; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Glynes was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Minnie; sister, Arlene Holz; her beloved husband of 53 years, Hank; and their son, Bob Tabach.