Carol Marie (Van Atta) Thomas

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Carol Marie (Van Atta) Thomas, on August 25, 2025, at the age of 91. Carol lived for many years with the challenges of Vascular Dementia, yet she never lost the gentleness and warmth that defined her. Friends and neighbors often remarked on what a sweet, kind, and wonderful woman she was—something her family already knew deeply. To the very end, she remained a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and aunt whose presence brought light and comfort to those around her.

Born in Vancouver, Washington, on April 12, 1934, Carol was the youngest of seven children to Ray and Martha Van Atta. She attended schools in Brush Prairie and Battle Ground, Washington, where she met her high school sweetheart, Benjamin F. Thomas. They were married in June 1952, in Spokane, Washington, and began a loving and supportive partnership that lasted 55 years, until Ben’s passing in 2007. He was truly the love of her life, and a piece of her was lost when he passed.

Carol and Ben loved to be active together. They were longtime members of several square dancing clubs and bowling leagues, where they created many cherished memories. Over the years, they lived in Spokane, Vancouver, Kirkland, and Sunnyside, Washington, and eventually became snowbirds, splitting their time between Sunnyside and Tucson, Arizona. Tucson would eventually become their home.

Even after retirement, Carol loved to keep busy and be around people. She spent many years working in the offices at Rincon Country RV Resort in Tucson, where she truly loved every minute. Never one to sit still, she enjoyed being at the heart of the community, greeting friends and neighbors with her warmth and kindness. She became the familiar, welcoming face of the office, and everyone always wanted to “talk with Carol.” The friendships she built there brought her great joy and made the park feel like home.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin F. Thomas (2007); her parents, Ray and Martha Van Atta; her sisters Bernice Van Atta, Mildred (Van Atta) Holmgren, Edith (Van Atta) Sothern, Margery (Van Atta) Harrison, and Betty Van Atta; her brother Kenneth Van Atta; and her great-granddaughter, Luna Baker.

She is survived by her children, Steve Thomas, Linda (Thomas) Cooper, and Colleen (Thomas) Brooks. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Ben Thomas, Laura Thomas, Christa (Cooper) McCord, Ashley (Brooks) Baker, Courtney (Brooks) Feuerberg, Riley Brooks, and her great-grandchildren, Bethany Thomas, Elinor Thomas, Ewan Thomas, Amber Baker, Ayla Feuerberg, and Zoe Feuerberg. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, including her nieces Joan Zook, Pat Fray, Judy (Sothern) Lundeen, and nephews Joel Sothern and Rick Sothern, along with the many great-nieces and nephews who also loved her dearly.