CATHERINE "KATIE" E. THOMAS

Catherine Earlene Thomas (Katie) passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 19, 2023, at the age of 93.

“Katie” was truly a one of a kind. A devoted wife, a devout Christian, a doting mother (of three), grandmother (of six), great grandmother (of eight), an accomplished musician, an adventurous world traveler, a square dancer, a fun but fiercely strategic card player, and a true daredevil (who would often wait in long times to get a seat in the front row of high-speed roller coasters). Although she is profoundly missed, by the grace of God, she is now rejoined with the love of her life, Carl Marion Thomas.

She was born on November 25, 1929 to Earl and Olive Winkler of Trotwood, OH. Her birth completed this special family of four by joining her older sister, Jean Winkler Utz. Katie graduated from Trotwood High School at the age of 17. Always a tomboy, Katie loved to play ball and run with the wind. She was an excellent roller skater and often danced in competitions.  Katie even took flying lessons as a young girl. She frequently played the piano, and her friends would stand around and sing for hours. Later in life, she took up the organ. Another favorite activity was riding roller coasters, which she continued into her seventies to the delight of her grandchildren. In 1954, Katie married Carl Marion Thomas of Eaton, Ohio. They were married for 67 years. In 1972, she moved from Eaton, Ohio to Piqua. While being a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Eaton, for 16 years, Katie taught the cherub choir and the vacation Bible School music program. She transferred her membership to St. Paul’s Church in Piqua. Here, Katie and Carl sang in the choir together for many years. Katie’s love for travel is reflected in the fact she could proudly say she had visited all 50 states and every continent; that is remarkable. For several years, she and Carl led AAA bus tours. Their most memorable vacations were often those taken at Lake James, Indiana, with the whole family. She spent hours either driving the boat or water skiing. Katie also loved to dance. She and Carl would often spend their Saturday nights out dancing or playing euchre. They took up square dancing later in life and it brought them both great joy. Mexican Train was another favorite activity as the years passed. Carl and Katie joined a local group of friends called the McEighties. They met regularly for lunch at McDonalds and became very close. Katie will be most remembered for her high energy, laughter and remarkable intelligence.

She is survived by three children, Terry Glennon (Doug), David Thomas (Lisa) and Carla Isaacs (Steve). Grandchildren include Brian Thomas Glennon (Jill), Mark Glennon (Zoey), Brittany Thomas Taylor (Jason), Brandon Thomas (Camilla), Brent Isaacs and Bryany Isaacs. Her great grandchildren include Riley Finn Glennon, Kaitlyn Glennon, Fiona Glennon, Landon Taylor, Grayson Taylor, Kelsey Glennon, Erin Glennon, and Scarlett Thomas, due in February 2024. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church with Rev. Dr. Keith Gebhart Officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m., also at the church. Funeral arrangements are being handled through the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. Memorial contributions, in Katie’s name, may be made to St. Paul’s Church, 500 N. Downing St, Piqua, OH, 45356 office@stpaulschurch.org. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

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