Joan L. Thomas, age 91, of Gregory, Michigan, passed away on August 5, 2026, at her home, on the same road she was born, surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 16, 1935, in Unadilla Township, Michigan, the daughter of John and Daisie (Roberts) Butler. Joan was a lifelong resident of the Gregory area.
On March 7, 1970, she married Ronald E. "Ronnie" Thomas, and they shared 50 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2020. Joan worked for many years as a nurse in Howell and Fowlerville, then finally retiring from Duane L. Waters Department of Corrections Hospital in Jackson. She was a longtime member of Plainfield United Methodist Church. Family was especially important to Joan, she was happiest being in the middle of the chaos, be it playing her new favorite game, Spinners, or just listening to her boys yelling at each other. She loved cooking and baking and watching over the family farm. She was also a devoted Detroit Tigers fan.
Joan is survived by her children: Eldiva (Mark) Lathrop of Lansing, George (Amy) Thomas of Gregory, Daisie (Wes) Scharmen of Saline, and Douglas (LaDonna) Thomas of Gregory; nine grandchildren: Ross, Georgi (Kyle), Lyndsie (Cameron), Wyatt (Meranda), Lillian (Austin), Lucille, Lyla (Braiden), Gabe & Dylen; two great-grandchildren; and her sister, June Risner of Stockbridge. In addition to her husband, Ronnie, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Tillie June Thomas, in 2016.
Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 4-8 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10-11 a.m.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Missy Noll officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Outreach or the Stockbridge Senior Center.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
