Shirley A Thomas

She was born on November 14, 1934 in Alton, Illinois to Leroy C. and Katherine B. (Wickenhauser) Dietschy.

Shirley attended Alton High School. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and later took classes at McKendree University where she earned her degree in Elementary Education.

Shirley loved teaching and taught 2nd Grade for decades in both Millstadt, Illinois and Ross, Ohio.

She enjoyed playing cards, boating, golf, tennis, and just spending time with family and friends while sharing a glass of beer or wine.

She served as a volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for several years.

Shirley will undoubtedly always be remembered for her warm smile and generous spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 62 years, Melvin Henry Thomas, beloved daughter-in-law Johanna (Gintz) Thomas and 4-legged “lil buddy” Wags.

Shirley is survived by her children, David C. Thomas, of Waterloo, Illinois, Carol A. Lawrence, of Belleville, Illinois, and Susan M. (Tom) Antonovich, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; grandchildren, Cory J. (Karen) Lawrence, Jamie M. (Zachary Slocum) Lawrence, Megan S. (Kevin) Haiges, Courtney E. Benge and great grandson, Logan Thomas Lawrence.

Memorial Gathering/Visitation will be held from 11AM until 1PM on Monday, November 22nd at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois with a Memorial Service at 1PM.

Interment will be private for close friends and family at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the Thomas family asks that you make a memorial donation in Shirley’s name to the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, Illinois 62269.

On behalf of both Mel and Shirley (and Wags), the children would like to sincerely thank the kind and compassionate staff at Garden Place Assisted Living Facility in Millstadt, Illinois. Garden Place was their final home and their children will be forever grateful for staff’s care and companionship. They were not just care-givers but family to Shirley, Mel and Wags.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Thomas family.