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THOMAS
Sharna “Kay” Thomas
of Carrollton, Georgia passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at the age of
80. Kay was born in Decatur, Indiana to the late Ray and Echo Stallter
Kettering. Kay was an elementary school teacher for forty years and was
retired from Parkway Elementary School in Rockford, Ohio. She held a
bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in administration
from Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kay had a passion for
travel and formed Riverside Tours with a Parkway co-worker after she
retired from teaching.
Kay was an active member of the First
United Methodist Church in Rockford, Ohio and Carrollton, Georgia. For
years, Kay and a partner co-hosted all of the memorial dinners for
congregational members at her church in Rockford. In addition, she
formed a Kid’s Club at the church that served children of the community
each week with tutoring and fun activities then provided a free meal for
the students, parents and church members. Kay was tireless with her
community work and was a big part of the Shane’s Hill Historical
Society. Kay enjoyed The Red Hat Society and many other clubs that she
participated in over the years. She was a voracious reader, a wonderful
gardener, a great cook and so much more.
The most important thing to Kay was her
family. She is survived by her husband John Howard Thomas of
Carrollton, GA. They were married on December 23, 1961. They shared a
wonderful life together. Among others who loved and will miss and
cherish her memory are daughters Diane (Keith) Martin of Carrollton, GA
and Patsy (Jim) Deerhake of Greenville, SC; her son Mark (Samantha)
Thomas of Alpharetta, GA; her sisters Karen (Wayne) Roell of Bradenton,
FL and Kathy McHie of Ashburn, VA; her brother Keith (Kris) Kettering of
Los Angeles, CA; and her precious grandchildren Owen Thomas, Caroline
Thomas and Brad Deerhake.
Kay was remarkable.
Her many nieces, nephews, friends, students and community groups will
miss her drive, caring and positive approach to life.
In lieu of flowers,
the family asks that donations be sent to Rockford United Methodist
Church, 202 Franklin St., Rockford, OH 45882.
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