Nedra E Thomas

Nedra E. Thomas, age 97, of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday evening, December 17, 2011 in New Dawn Retirement Community following a period of declining health.Born in Bellaire, O. on February 27, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Robert H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Allensworth) McGarry.After completing her formal education in Dennison, Nedra then married the late John W. Thomas on December 12, 1936 in Wellsville, West Virginia. Together they enjoyed a wonderful life together, before his passing on April 21, 1996.Nedra worked with the New Philadelphia Schools as a manager of their Food Service department until her retirement.She cherished the love and relationship of family and friends.Her faith was nurtured through her membership at the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, where she greatly enjoyed her participation with the Golden Circle Christian Fellowship. Her legacy of love and laughter leaves an imprint on each life she touched. Many were blessed with her fondness and generosity of cooking and excellent craft and needle work.Nedra will be deeply missed by her two children, Jessie V. “Toni” (Roger) Williams of Cumming, Georgia, and John W. (companion, Becky Swartzbaugh) Thomas of New Philadelphia; her granddaughters, Lauren (Bill) Kelly of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Dana (David) Fields of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; her sister-in-law, Lu (Dale) Kreisher of Dover.Her great-grandchildren Anne Fields, a student at University of Colorado in Boulder, Co; John Calvin Fields, a high school student at Sewickley, PA; and Olivia Kelly, a professional ballerina with the Pittsburg Ballet; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to her parents and husband, Nedra was preceded in death by one sister, four brothers, and a son-in-law, John Williamson.Cremation will be conducted through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. A memorial service celebrating Nedra’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home Chapel at New Philadelphia. Her son-in-law, The Rev. Roger Williams will officiate the service. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County Inc., 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, O. 44622