Olivia Thomas, 79, Enjoyed cooking and reading

She was born March 5, 1924 in Bakersfield, California. She moved to Lorain at age 21. Olivia moved back to California in 1978, then to Spencer, Ohio in 1980. She relocated to Apple Valley, Ohio in 1996, and finally to Wellington in 1998.

Olivia was a homemaker and a mother who was active in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and volunteering at her children’s school. She attended Liberty Baptist Church in Elyria. She was also a seamstress and excelled at culinary arts. She enjoyed baking, cooking, cake decorating, was an avid reader, and was passionate about her tasks.

Survivors include her sons: David and Edward Thomas, both of Wellington, and Donald and Jeff Thomas, both of New London; daughters: Barbara Thomas Harrington of Prather, California, Linda Reip of New Russia Township, Kathleen White of Lodi, Ohio, and Laura Young of Oberlin; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and her sister: Juanita McCorkill of Emmet, Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years: Lee Eldridge Thomas on January 25, 1999; her parents: Terrell and Georgia (nee Pike) McCormick; and by her brother: James McCormick.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. from the funeral home. The Reverend Robert Schroyer, associate pastor of Church of the Open Door in Elyria, will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association; 12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland 44120.