Eva Thomas, 86, formerly of Burlington, Wis., passed away July 6, 2012 at Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Plover, Wis.
She was born Feb. 9, 1926, to James and Ethel (nee Short) Downing in Hillsboro. Her early life was spent in Ontario. Eva graduated from Ontario High School and attended La Crosse Technical College, receiving her degree in business administration.
On Dec. 13, 1947, Eva was united in marriage to Raymond Thomas in Waukon, Iowa. Following their marriage, they resided in Ontario until moving to Burlington in 1957. Eva worked as a secretary for the family business, Thomas Bus Service and Foster Forbes. She was a member of St. Charles Church in Burlington, and then a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction. Eva loved knitting, crocheting and fishing. She was an avid Brewers and Packers fan. More than anything, she treasured spending time with her family.
Eva is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Ray; her children, Daniel (Jane) Thomas of West Plains, Mo., Kathy (Don) Czerniak of Plover, Michael (Nancy) Thomas of Burlington, James (Lori) Thomas of Burlington, Bruce (Kathy) Thomas of Burlington, and Cheryl (Brad) Baker of Lyons; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren.
Eva is further survived by her siblings, Beverly Olson, Marie (Allen) Hartman, Jim (Mary) Downing and Allen (Rita) Downing; and her sisters-in-law, Abigail Downing and Betty Downing.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bill Downing, Lloyd Downing and Waylon (Ruth) Downing; and a sister-in-law, Marge Downing.
Memorials may be given to the family for Masses in Eva’s name.
Eva’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Maple Ridge Nursing Home, especially Kelly and Susan, and her hospice nurse, Lisa. Also, a very special thank you to Barbara, Eva’s best friend at Whispering Pines.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, at St. Charles Catholic Church, with Rev. Steve Amann officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 9–11 a.m. Wednesday at the Church. Burial will follow services at the St. Charles Cemetery.
