EVA THOMAS

Eva Thomas, 86, formerly Burlington, died July 6, 2012, at Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Plover. She was born Feb. 9, 1926, to the late James and Ethel (Short) Downing in Hillsboro, Wis. Her early life was spent in Ontario, Wis. Eva graduated from Ontario High School and attended La Crosse Technical College receiving her degree in Business Administration.

On Dec. 13, 1947, she married Raymond Thomas in Waukon, Iowa. Following marriage they resided in Ontario until moving to Burlington in 1957. She worked as a secretary for the family business, Thomas Bus Service and also Foster Forbes. She was a member of St. Charles Church in Burlington then, also a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction. She loved knitting, crocheting and fishing. She was an avid Brewers and Packer fan. More than anything, she treasured spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years; children, Daniel (Jane) Thomas, West Plains, Mo., Kathy (Don) Czerniak, Plover, Michael (Nancy) Thomas, Burlington, James (Lori) Thomas, Burlington, Bruce (Kathy) Thomas, Burlington, and Cheryl (Brad) Baker, Lyons; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Olson, Marie (Allen) Hartman, Jim (Mary) Downing and Allen (Rita) Downing; sisters-in-law, Abigail Downing and Betty Downing.

She was further preceded in death by her brothers, Bill Downing, Lloyd Downing, Waylon (Ruth) Downing; and sister-in-law, Marge Downing.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 11, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Amann officiating. Burial will follow services in St. Charles Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home, Burlington, is assisting the family.

Memorials to the family for Masses in Eva’s name are suggested.

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.