Beverly J. Thomas

THOMAS, Beverly J., age 80 of Troy, OH, passed away December 25, 2023.  She was born May 2, 1943, in Russia, OH, daughter of the late Wilfred & Irene (Schafer) Monnin.   Beverly was a faithful servant of the Lord and member of St. Christopher Catholic Church.

Beverly had a warmth about her that made everyone feel welcomed and loved.  Much of that was due to her gorgeous smile which she so generously shared.  Her smile was  contagious and inclusive enabling Beverly to make friends wherever she went.

Bev was proud to be from Russia and dearly valued her roots.  She often told stories of her life on the farm, cherished time with aunts and uncles and being taught by the nuns who she described as, strict but loving.  Bev never took her wonderful childhood for granted and often yearned to go back.

When Beverly was 16, Ron Thomas, a handsome young man from Dayton, Ohio showed up on the scene.  They were both at the Crystal Ball Dance Hall, when Ron spotted the beautiful Bev across the room in a pale-yellow dress.  He pointed her out and commented to his pal that he was going to marry that girl.

The jury is out whether the dress was pale-yellow or pink as Bev says it was pink and Ron says pale-yellow but, nonetheless, they were married three years later in 1962.

Beverly and her husband, Ron enjoyed a marriage of 59 years which is a testament to commitment.  Commitment was important to Bev and if she said she was going to do something, she did.  You could count on Bev to follow through and show up with enthusiasm and an authenticity that told you it mattered to her!

Beverly was a devoted and loving mother to Denise and Kathy and family was a top priority.  She was a mother any child could wish for, and she tended to her daughters with love and grace, providing them with a strong foundation for life.

Bev’s passion was her family, and her devotion, generosity and hospitality were well known. Birthdays were special, holidays were magical, and she generously gave of her time.

Bev’s Christmas parties were a highlight of the season and if you came to Bev’s house during Christmas, you would likely leave with a gift as she always bought extra, “just in case.”

Bev never wanted to miss out and she was always up for an adventure.  She was blessed to travel to remarkable places such as Fiji, New Zealand, Europe, Hawaii, Colorado, and others.  She also enjoyed lake house life, boating, and fishing at Lake Erie as well as shopping, gardening, roller coasters, beaches, and ice cream.

Hard work was also an important attribute to Beverly, and she did it without complaint.  She went to work at Good Samaritan every day for over 30 years armed with her smile and work ethic that made her a highly valued and favored employee.

One of Bev’s special gifts was her gratitude.  She rarely complained and took little for granted. She encouraged her children to “accentuate the positive” and she was generous with compliments.  With a smile upon her face, the last words Bev spoke were, “thank you.”

Bev is already desperately missed but her family finds comfort in knowing she has eternal peace and is likely holding hands with Ron.  Whether they are on a beach, in the mountains, or on the farm, they are in Gods paradise with one another and likely enjoying ice cream.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald, Beverly is survived by her daughters, Denise Thomas Hemsath (Steven) and Katherine Thomas Leurck (David); grandchildren, Coleman, Christian, Andrew, Alexandra & Audrey; many other relatives & friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 E. National Rd., Vandalia with Fr. Andrew Smith celebrating.  The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.