Janis Thomas
Janis D. Thomas, age 84, of Gnadenhutten, died late Friday, April 8, 2022, in her residence, surrounded by her loving friends, following a period of declining health.
Born on April 26, 1937, in Williamson, West Virginia, Jan was a daughter of the late W. Earl and Vivian Oppenheimer Davis.
Jan was a graduate of Marshall University at Huntington, West Virginia and retired from Indian Valley Schools following 35 years as an educator where she taught Home Economics at both the High School and Middle School. Jan spent many years of her life as an educator outside of the classroom. She was well respected for being a mentor showing others how to pay it forward and live selflessly. She was giving of not only her time, but provided generous impactful gifts, often anonymously.
Jan’s other passions in life were creating experiences for others whether it be style shows or bus trips, she found great joy in seeing the happiness of others as she sat back and watched the events unfold. Ever active, Jan was a Charter Member of Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta State of Delta Kappa Gamma International, the Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers Association, the Foundation Board for Twin City Hospital, Trinity Twin City Hospital Auxiliary, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church at Dennison. In addition to her work at Trinity Hospital, Jan was a volunteer in the Gift Shoppe and served as the buyer and manager from 1995 until 2019. She was also a faithful supporter of the Twin City Christian Service Center.
Survivors include a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert (Jan) Thomas; a sister-in-law, Lee Powell, and her cousins, Richard and Ray Preston. She was blessed with many special friends throughout her lifetime, especially Sandy Welsch of Port Washington and Sandy Fawcett of Gnadenhutten, whom she thought of as her adopted sister.
In addition to her parents, Jan was preceded in death by her husband, George Thomas, whom she married on May 24, 1958, and celebrated 39 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1998.
Pastor Scot Caley will lead a service celebrating Jan’s life on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 2:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Visitation will be held in the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Burial will follow the service in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Dennison.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, or to the Twin City Christian Service Center, 109 N Water Street, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683.
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