Eileen Thomas

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Published on Friday, 02 September 2011 15:33

Eileen Thomas was born July 25, 1931 in Canadian, Texas to Louise and Arthur James Verkler.  She passed away September 1, 2011 at Elk City, Oklahoma at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Eileen grew up in Canadian, Texas where she graduated from high school.  She was married to Billy Ray Thomas on December 25, 1951 in Buffalo, Oklahoma.  After Bill's discharge from the Air Force they moved to Spring Creek and Clinton, Oklahoma before moving to Miami, TX in 1958 where Bill began teaching. They lived in Clarendon, TX, Carter  OK and Arapaho, OK. She graduated from Southwestern State College with a degree in nutrition.  Later they moved to Elk City, Oklahoma when Eileen began working in Hodges Nursing Home as a dietitian.  After their retirement, Bill and Eileen went to work for the Baptist Children's Home where they touched the lives of many children and adults alike.  They moved back to Elk City to make their home and Eileen worked as a seamstress.

She was a member of the Elk City First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 son, Jim Thomas, and 3 sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Valenzuela and husband, Mario, San Lius, AZ; 1 son, Billy Ray Thomas and wife, Charlotte, Elk City, OK; 1 sister,  Helen Ruthstrum, Amarillo, TX; 1 brother, Art Verkler, Seattle, WA; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Elk City First Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Russell Duck. Visitation will be Sunday from 12:30 to 9:00 PM and Monday from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM.  Condolences can be made online at www.whineryfs.com