On the morning of Saturday November 26, 2016, Grace Mary Thomas, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior. Grace Mary was born on April 23, 1923, the daughter of Grace Ann and Albert Kaltenbaugh of Tire Hill. Grace Mary was the oldest sibling of eight and grew up in a loving and modest coal mining family where they were members of the Tire Hill Church of the Brethren. Grace Mary married Willard Thomas in 1941, and they raised four sons in Thomas Mills. Willard died in 1972 and Grace Mary moved to Florida in 1973.

 A strong and independent woman, she began a 30-year adventure as an advocate and volunteer for the First Brethren Church of St. Petersburg. Her travels began as she spent a year in Denver as a volunteer for a home for unwed mothers. She was very active in the church, went to many national conferences, cooked for church camps, and directed arts and craft projects as well. Her church activities and love of travel took her to Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Oregon, Arizona, California, Minnesota, Alaska and Maine. Her favorite vacation spot was New Zealand.

Grace Mary was an artist and loved to paint. She loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed the children. She was high spirited, witty, and honest to a fault. She loved to fish and caught fish all over the world. She never caught a salmon, and she never forgave the “net man.” Grace Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed flowers and gardening.

Grace Mary moved back to Pennsylvania in 2009 as a resident of Laurel View Village in Davidsville.  A special thanks to all of the wonderful people who cared for her in these recent and difficult years.

Grace Mary was preceded in death by husband Willard Thomas, Brothers Peter Kaltenbaugh, Sr., Albert Kaltenbaugh, Jr., Daniel Kaltenbaugh, Sr. and Sisters Pearl Haines, and Emma Kimmel.

She is the mother of four sons, Dennis Thomas, married to Eloise, Wade Thomas, married to Priscilla, Daniel Thomas, married to Bonnie, Timothy Thomas, married to Diane 12 Grandchildren, Renee Oij, Denny Thomas, Jeffrey Thomas, Todd Thomas, Amy Thomas, Adam Thomas, James Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Travis Thomas, Seth Thomas, Luke Thomas. Great- Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.  She is the sister of Isabella Carnahan Keim, and Gary Kaltenbaugh

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, December 16 at 10:30 A.M. at Tire Hill Church of the Brethren with Pastor Pete Kaltenbaugh officiating.  Inurnment Thomas Mennonite Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tire Hill Church of the Brethren or Laurel View Village.  To leave condolences for the family please visit www.georgemasonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements by the George E. Mason Funeral Home, Inc. Davidsville.

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