Sharna Thomas

Sharna "Kay" Thomas of Carrollton, Georgia passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at the age of 80.  Kay was born in Decatur, Indiana to the late Ray and Echo Stallter Kettering. Kay was an elementary schoolteacher for forty years and was retired from Parkway Elementary School in Rockford, Ohio. She held a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in administration from Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Kay had a passion for travel and formed Riverside Tours with a Parkway co-worker after she retired from teaching.

Kay was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Rockford, Ohio and Carrollton, Georgia.  For years, Kay and a partner co-hosted all of the memorial dinners for congregational members at her church in Rockford.  In addition, she formed a Kid's Club at the church that served children of the community each week with tutoring and fun activities then provided a free meal for the students, parents and church members. Kay was tireless with her community work and was a big part of the Shane's Hill Historical Society.  Kay enjoyed The Red Hat Society and many other clubs that she participated in over the years.  She was a voracious reader, a wonderful gardener, a great cook and so much more.

The most important thing to Kay was her family.  She is survived by her husband John Howard Thomas of Carrollton, GA.  They were married on December 23, 1961.  They shared a wonderful life together.  Among others who loved and will miss and cherish her memory are daughters Diane (Keith) Martin of Carrollton, GA and Patsy (Jim) Deerhake of Greenville, SC; her son Mark (Samantha) Thomas of Alpharetta, GA; her sisters Karen (Wayne) Roell of Bradenton, FL and Kathy McHie of Ashburn, VA; her brother Keith (Kris) Kettering of Los Angeles, CA; and her precious grandchildren Owen Thomas, Caroline Thomas and Brad Deerhake.  Kay was remarkable.  Her many nieces, nephews, friends, students and community groups will miss her drive, caring and positive approach to life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Rockford United Methodist Church, 202 Franklin St., Rockford, OH  45882.

To share in Sharna's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com..

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street, Rockford, OH 45882.