Sheree Carol Thomas-Bird, 21, came into this world on Dec. 3, 1990, arriving at Grand Coulee, Wash., into the home of Richard and Laura (Tulee) Thomas Jr. and departed from Grand Coulee, Wash. on Feb. 18, 2012.
     Raised in the Shaker Church, Sheree played on her Yakima, Wash., middle school’s basketball team and later attended high school in Omak, Wash.
     Always a hard worker, Sheree most recently was manager at the McDonalds Restaurant in Wolf Point, Mont., prior to moving back to Nespelem, Wash. When not working, she enjoyed spending time together with her many friends in person, on the phone and via Facebook. Most of all though, Sheree loved her two beautiful daughters, Breanne and Nicole.
     She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard D. Thomas Sr., Esther Iukes-Thomas and Meachem Tulee. Sheree is survived by her husband, Stephen Bird; two wonderful daughters who will carry on Sheree’s legacy, Breanne E. Thomas-Bird and Nicole Wakista-Bird; grandmother, Celia Tulee; parents, Richard and Laura (Tulee) Thomas Jr.; siblings, Kara Thomas, Amanda Cheney, Adyna Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Richie Tulee and Mikie Sternbeck; mother-in-law Tonya Bird; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
     Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Wash., will host Sheree’s Native American Dressing Ceremony at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, followed by a 7 p.m. wake at the Nespelem Community Center. Sheree’s graveside services will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at the Owhi Family Cemetery in Nespelem. Nelson Iukes will officiate.
     Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to be serving Sheree’s family.