MARY ELLEN THOMAS

OBITUARY FOR MARY ELLEN THOMAS THOMAS, Mary Ellen, age 80, of Middletown, Ohio died Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties. “Sister” was born July 25, 1935 in Harlan County, Kentucky to Robert “Tobe” and Lucy Roark. Mary Ellen was a working woman her whole life, starting at Caterpillar Industry in the front office in Cincinnati as she was taking business courses. When she moved to Middletown in 1957 she worked for Pollock/St. Regis, starting in accounts payable and finishing her career as Personnel Manager for the plant, completing 30 years of service. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Middletown, and attended the Koinonia Sunday School and was a member of the church choir for 30 years. She served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Staff Development Committee and Board of Deacons. Mary Ellen loved her community of Middletown and was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. She was a member of the Middletown Christian Women’s Club, Promise Group that traveled to Japan as a missionary group, Soroptimist, member of Beta Sigma Phi Chapter, and Ohio Beta Phi Master for 50 years. She was Extension Officer and Delegate to Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs, Accents President, Prosser Chapter 367 Order of Eastern Star of Middletown. She also had served as Director of the Women’s Center. When her sons were young, she served as Cub Scout Den Mother and PTA Vice President of Old Amanda Elementary School. She is survived by two sons, Ted Thomas Jr. (Mary) of Dallas, Texas and Robert “Bob” Thomas of Kentucky; two grandchildren, Jason Robert “J-Bob” of Lubbock, Texas and Taylor S. Thomas of Duncanville, Texas; one brother, Robert “Bob” Roark (Betsy) of Paris, Kentucky; two sisters, Toby Ann Roark Foy (John) of Alpharetta, Georgia and Sandy Roark Miller (Leo) of Harlan, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Sue Roark (widow of brother, Leslie Roark) of Miamisburg, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Ted F. Thomas, her parents Robert “Tobe” and Lucy Roark; brother, Leslie Roark; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Milt and Susie Thomas of Cawood, Kentucky. Mary Ellen loved her family, church, choir and her Beta Sigma Phi sisters. She was a loving, compassionate, and a very thankful lady for her many friends. She will be missed. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 1, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the First Baptist Church, 4500 Riverview Avenue, Middletown, Ohio 45042, followed by services at the church at 12:00 noon with Rev. Ken Fey officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 4500 Riverview Ave., Middletown, or to Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties, 5940 Long Meadow Dr., Franklin, Ohio 45005. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.herr-riggs.com

MARY ELLEN THOMAS

July 25, 1935 - August 30, 2015