Ethel Thomas, 94

Ethel Thomas, 94, “joined our Lord and Savior” April 7, 2012, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Ethel Elnora Emmons was born in Stacey, Mont., to Edith and Rowe Emmons on Jan. 11, 1918. She had two older brothers, Pat and Alfred, and two younger sisters, Anna Mae and Dorothy, who have preceded her in death.

Ethel married Cecil Thomas in 1937 in Longview, Wash. In the years to follow they had six children. Every year, they planted a huge garden and Ethel spent many hours canning the bountiful harvest. They had access to many fruits so Ethel would fill the kitchen with pies that were eaten almost as fast as she baked them. One of our most cherished memories was coming home from school and being cold, her kitchen was filled with heat and love, and the smell of fresh baked bread remains with us today.

She loved to crochet, embroider and oil paint. She would make afghans, pillowcases and paint pictures to give to those she loved.

Her greatest endeavor was teaching her children to serve God and let His light shine through them. Her faith and love of God was evident to all who knew her. She would unselfishly give of her time, caring for her family and grandchildren. She was always there for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading stories, playing games or hugging them!

She never complained. Love beamed out of her, radiating to all who knew her. She always had a sweet smile, encouraging word, a song to sing and contagious laughter.

Her daughters-in-law were blessed; she loved them with the same measure as her own.

When Ethel moved to Whitefish Care and Rehab Center, she was rejoicing in the new friends she had. We are grateful she was so happy there.

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Bernice, and Joe Kolar, of Kamiah, Idaho; sons, Don and Mary Thomas of Twisp, Wash., Bill Thomas of Everett, Wash., Ron Thomas of Kalispell, Jerry and Frances Thomas of Columbia Falls, and the Rev. Larry and Renee Thomas of Norfork, Ark.; and numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and friends.

The service will be held at 1 p.m. April 13, at the Assembly of God Church at 738 3rd Ave. W. Columbia Falls. The Rev. Darrell Newby will officiate.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary. You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Ethel’s tribute wall.