Billie Sue Thomas

In loving memory of Billie “Sue” Thomas, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the age of eighty-five. Born in Tomahawk, Kentucky, Sue moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1957 following graduation as Martin High School’s Valedictorian in Martin, Kentucky.

Upon moving to Columbus, Sue began working for Nationwide Insurance. Soon after she met the love of her life, Harry, who she married September 17, 1960 and loved fiercely for the rest of her days. In 1963, she and her husband moved to Grove City, Ohio following his graduation from Ohio State University.

In 1965 Sue’s greatest dream came true when she and her husband became parents, welcoming their son Michael into this world. Taking a hiatus from her career, the birth of their daughter Carolyn in 1968 fulfilled Sue’s dream.

In 1975, Sue returned to work when she joined Specialty Metals and Alloys in Grove City, which ultimately became Varian Associates before it was purchased by TOSOH. She retired in 1998 as a Sales and Marketing Leader with TOSOH.

Sue’s open kindness and interests led her to develop friendships with so many people everywhere she went. She filled the shelves at home with golf and bowling trophies, became a voracious reader and took advanced college courses at Ohio State. Her efforts to learn about financial matters led her to become an integral member of a successful stock market club. Always involved in her children’s endeavors, Sue served as a PTA member, Room Mother, Bluebird Leader and Orchestra Booster.

Sue was an excellent seamstress, an enthusiastic gardener, and according to her children and grandchildren, their “Sandwich Maker Extraordinaire” and the best story time reader.

Sue is survived by her husband, Harry B. Thomas, her children, Michael (Kelly) Thomas, Carolyn Thomas (Pierce), grandchildren, Hannah (Andrew) Wilcox, William (Brooklyn) Pressnell, Samuel Thomas and Sara Whitley, great-grandchildren, Trenton, Keaton, Braxton and Rowan, brother Charles (Brenda) Laferty and sister Betty (Jack) Hale.

Preceded in death by her father Charlie Laferty, mother Cinda Laferty and grandson Joshua Whitley.

Sue was cherished deeply by her family and friends. She will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter and ardent devotion as the caretaker of her family. She was a pillar of strength, always there with a listening ear, a warm embrace and her time. Most of all, Sue’s love is what will live on. Her ability to make one feel seen and loved was her greatest strength and her legacy will continue.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at Schoedinger Norris Funeral Home at 4242 Hoover Road in Grove City, Ohio at 3:00pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s memory may be made to Lifeline of Ohio | Kindful https://lifelineofohio-bloom.kindful.com/ and/or https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/giving