Obituary of Minai Soudah

Minai Soudah Minai was born in Longview, Washington on November 10, 1963 to Roger and Margaret (Marj) Soudah. When she was seven weeks old, she contracted spinal meningitis that left her with multiple disabilities. One was complete deafness. Because of that, as her mother, I needed to find some answers to questions that were reasonable and so I began searching. As the journey continued, I found what I had been looking for in the Bible. I started to associate with people who encouraged me to learn sign language for Minai. Even with her other disabilities, she learned over 300 signs, could find every book in the Bible, and had a happy life. We went to numerous ASL conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses in various places, and she enjoyed that immensely. Minai was always happy and enjoyed so much being "on the go." Rarely did she spend time lingering at home! She went to Hawaii with her family a couple of times, as well as to Disneyland, and recently went on a cruise to Alaska and to Victoria, Canada to the Butterfly Gardens as well as the Buchart Gardens. She so enjoyed having breakfast on the patio when the weather permitted. She died on Sunday, October 16, 2011. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 1199 N. 9th in Tumwater, Washington (corner of 9th and Mottman Rd) at 2:00 p.m. Minai is survived by her mother, Margaret (Marj) Soudah; sister, Jami Thomas, her husband, Rick Thomas, and their three children, Becca, Abbi, and Jessi. She is also survived by uncles, an aunt, and several nieces and cousins. We will miss her SO much! Please leave memories of Minai or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.