Claribel M. Miller Thomas

Claribel Maxine Thomas passed away on October 9, 2014, with her son, Don, and daughter, Denise, by her side. She was born February 18, 1917, in Port Huron, Michigan, to August and Pearl (Kemp) Miller. She married Vernon Thomas on November 24, 1938, in Port Huron, Michigan, who preceded her in death on May 29, 1969. She was also prece4ded in death by her brothers, Ronald, Elton, and Alger Miller. Survivors include her sons, Vernon (Nancy) of Grand Ledge and Donald (Kathy) of Lansing; daughter, Denise (Duane) of Lansing; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Twyla McBean of Arizona; brother, Harry Miller of Minnesota; and her “other daughters,” Murphy and Shelley Cutler.Mom grew up on a farm outside of Memphis, Michigan. In the winter, when the roads were bad, Grandpa took Mom and her brother, Elton, to school in a horse-drawn wagon; otherwise they walked the two miles to school. Her Aunt El’s family lived on the farm next door, where Mom spent many happy times with her nine cousins. When her parents moved back to Port Huron during Mom’s senior year, Mom stayed with her Aunt El so she could graduate from Memphis High School. Mom loved to sew, having learned to sew from her mother, and they later worked together at a coat factory in Port Huron. She made herself and her kids’ clothes, as well as doll clothes for her daughter and “other daughters.” Mom also loved to read and travel. Her favorite vacation spot was Hawaii, which she visited seven times with her daughter, and she made life-long friends there. She also loved 4th of July cookouts surrounded by her family.Life dealt Mom many health challenges in her later years, but she never complained, even though every day was a struggle for her near the end. She was the kindest, bravest person, facing her health challenges with courage and a deep faith in God. After her husband’s death, she had to be both a mother and father to her daughter, which brought them closer together. We love you and will miss you, Mom, but we know you’re in Heaven with Grandma, Grandpa, and Dad, young and healthy again.Thank you to Dr. John Gobel for his care of Mom over the years; Hospice Advantage, especially Ruby, Tenille, Rachel, and Dr. LaBerge, who provided such wonderful care and comfort to Mom and our family during the last year. Thanks also to all our friends and family who provided prayers and support.Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, with visitation one hour prior to the service; Pastor Timothy Dickenson of First Baptist Church of Ovid will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice Advantage, 801 S. Waverly Rd., Ste. 304, Lansing, MI 48917; Red Cloud Indian School, 100 Mission Dr., Pine Ridge, SD 57770; or a charity of your choice.The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.