Phyllis Jean Thomas
Phyllis Jean Thomas (nee Bradley), 85 years of age, of Southington, Ohio, passed away peacefully May 12, 2023, with family by her side.
She was born in Garrettsville, on June 10, 1937, to the late Gordon Bradley and Arlene Rufener.
Phyllis grew up in Chagrin Falls as a child and moved to Bainbridge Township in the fifth grade, where she attended and graduated from Kenston High School.
Her passions included cooking, baking, sewing and creating numerous “Grammy’s special baby blankets” that many of her older grandchildren still have today. Phyllis continued to make many more special baby blankets for every great- and great-great-grandchild.
Phyllis was employed for 10 years as a baker at Kenston Middle School. She also spent many years working at Kids Club in Bainbridge, where she absolutely loved taking care of babies.
Phyllis lived a long and fulfilled life as a wife, mother and grandmother, as these were her lifelong desires and cherished living long enough to enjoy her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She will be dearly missed by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 68 years, Charles L. Thomas, even though Phyllis would always say “we have been together for 71 years since our sophomore year in high school;” sons, Kim (Karen), of Mantua, Tomi (Mary Lou), of Huntsburg Township, and David, of Clemmons, N.C.; sister Bonnie Simmons, of Poquoson, Va.,; and 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her daughter, Pegi Brown (Russell), of Huntsburg; and sister Carol Reitz, of Chagrin Falls.
A Celebration of Life followed by a light luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 17, 2023, at Adam Hall, 11455 East Washington St., Auburn Township.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ memory are requested to be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, http://www.hospicewr.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.
