Patricia "Patty" Bauman Thomas

Patricia Kay “Patty” Thomas was born on July 11th, 1952, in Careytown, OH, the daughter of William and Lillian (Harris) Bauman. She attended and graduated from Fairfield High School in Leesburg, OH. It was on March 7th, 1970, in Leesburg, OH, that she married her husband, her helpmate, and her best friend, Garland Dale Thomas. Together they raised a family of one son and two daughters, Jeromy, Julie, and Jennie. Patty was a remarkable woman of grace, courage, and strength. She depended on her Lord and Savior to give her strength, wisdom and a willing heart. She worked as a secretary at the Elementary Public Schools of Elyria, OH, and later as a Clerk in the Business Affairs Offices of NSU in Tahlequah, OK. Together with her husband, they worked to build and love the church, New Life Worship Center in Tahlequah. Patty was a founding member of the National Priesthood Motorcycle Ministry. Patty and Garland covered many miles on their motorcycle reaching out to those who had yet to hear of the Lord that loved them, and renewing strength to those already in the fold. You only had to meet Patty once to know she was genuine, compassionate, and cared deeply for her church family and many friends. She had a smile that made you feel welcome, and was always serving those around her, offering a cup of coffee, a friend to share with, and a hand to hold. She spent her spare time working in her flower gardens, and cultivating roses. There was always genealogy to research and ancestors to explore. Patty enjoyed vacations on the motorcycle, accompanying Garland across the countryside. She was filled with love, pride and admiration for her children and grandchildren, attending each sporting and academic endeavor as their biggest fan and supporter. She liked to gather the family for a meal and play time, and did so every chance she got. She was set with a mission to assure that each and every one of her children and grandchildren knew the love of the Lord and followed her to church. On this mission, she was very successful! She had worked tirelessly, but her body grew tired. The Lord called this good and faithful servant home on Friday, May 22nd, 2015 in Muskogee, OK with her family close to her side. Patty was 62 years old.