Florence Beth Thomas

Florence Beth Thomas, 88, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2018 in Carlsbad, California. She was born September 20, 1929 in San Bernardino, California to Roy Cox and Florence Cox (Woodhouse).

Beth, as she like to be called, grew up in San Bernardino and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1947. She enjoyed her early years celebrating life with her extended ranching/farming family that were pioneers in the San Bernardino area. Family outings to the beach and to the desert plus large family gatherings were some of her favorite times. She was also the youngest of three children. Because of the early loss of her father, her oldest brother became a father figure and yet best friend. Her youngest brother was a true hero to her because he was a pilot in World War II. In 1952, she married her husband, Griff Thomas, at The Mission Inn in Riverside, California. Shortly afterward, they started their own family and lived in San Bernardino for a time till moving to Rialto. As the kids grew up, Beth became not only a mother to her own children but to all the kids in the neighborhood. Her good cooking and inviting home made everyone welcome. After her husband retired, Beth and Griff moved to Encinitas, California, where they have lived for the last 34 years. She and Griff were active members of the United Methodist Church of both Rialto and Encinitas. She loved traveling and she and Griff completed more than twenty trips on cruise-ships, visited countries throughout the world, and still had enough time to celebrate life and holidays with the family.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Glenn (Bud) Cox and R. Darrell Cox. She is survived by her husband, Griffith J. Thomas, her son Griffith R. Thomas (Susan) and daughter Cyndi J. Sahanas (Frank); her grandchildren Jennifer Murphy, Scott Murphy, Melissa Adams (Michael Jared), Stacy Thomas, and Korrie Sahanas; and her great grandchild Brooklynn Adams. A graveside service will be held at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton, CA. On February 16, 2018 at 11:30 A.M. A memorial service will also be held at the San Diego United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, CA.