Vivian Hope Thrasher

Vivian Hope (Casto) Thrasher, 96, a resident of Palmetto, Florida, went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on October 12, 2026. She was born December 3,1929 in Volga, West Virginia to the late Bovy and Neva Casto and was the third oldest of 12 children.

She was married on March 9,1951 to the love of her life, Denver Lee Thrasher, who preceded her in death on February 4,1979. She wore her wedding rings for the rest of her days. She is survived by her three children Janet Jones (Garry), Sandra Lang (Randall), and Denver Thrasher (Dawn); three Grandchildren Jessica Snow (Chris), Joshua Jones and Eric Lang (Sara); and three Great Grandchildren Madalynn Jones, Alayna Jones and Emilee Snow. Her Grandchildren knew her affectionally as “Granny” and “Great Granny”.

Vivian is survived by two sisters, Shirley Louk and Blanche McDaniels (Richard) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 6 brothers, Eugene, Charles, Kenny, Keith, Edmund, and Jimmy Casto; and three sisters, Deloris Sponaugle, Patricia Haller, and Linda Casto.

Vivian had a Master’s Degree in Education and retired from teaching elementary school from the Manatee County School District in 1994. She loved teaching children and began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in West Virginia. She taught school for 35 years in 5 different states: West Virginia, Ohio, Arizona, California and Florida.

As the wife of a 20-year career US Air Force veteran, she lived in Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico, Ohio, Arizona, and California. After her husband’s retirement from the US Air Force, they moved to Florida and made Palmetto their permanent home. Vivian was also a business owner with her late husband and worked at Thrasher Furniture. She and her late husband also owned Thrasher Farm where they lived.

She was a devout Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Palmetto where for many years was a Sunday School Teacher and a Group Leader for the Singles Ministry. She was a selfless person who always put other people before herself. She had a servant's heart and after her retirement from teaching, she volunteered countless hours in various ministries and charities and helping people in need. Besides volunteering, Vivian’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Vivian enjoyed traveling and traveled all 50 states and overseas. In her later years, she liked to work puzzles and word-find books.

She was independent, fearless and the strongest person we have ever known. She was sharp, loyal and loving. At 96, she had the blessing of a long and full life, surrounded by family who loved her and will greatly miss her.

The family will receive friends at the Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park at 1400 36th Ave. East, Ellenton, Florida on Friday, October 23 from 6 pm to 8:00 pm. The Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm and Interment will follow at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.