Elizabeth I. Thomas

Elizabeth I. (Penner) Thomas, 77, a resident of rural Fall River, Kansas, died Friday, May 15, 2009 at her home. She was born September 3, 1931 to Isaac and Anna (Pauls) Penner on a sandhill farm west of Inman, Kansas. Liz attended Little Valley School for her elementary education. She was graduated from Inman High School and attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, for one year, followed by a summer in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in a mission project. Liz worked as a secretary for several organizations, including General Conference Mennonite Board of Missions in Newton, Kansas; the Mennonite Central Committee Peace Section in Akron, Pennsylvania; and for seven years at the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita. She also spent time at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, participating as a guinea pig in a research project. On May 2, 1964, Liz married Charles Thomas of Fall River. They made their home on the ranch near Fall River, at the foothills of the Flint Hills. Liz became a full-time homemaker and mother upon the birth of their son, Jon. Liz and Charles celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on the 2nd of this month at a dinner with family and friends at Flint Oak Ranch. Charles survives at their home on the ranch. Baptized upon confession of faith, Liz joined the Bethel Mennonite Church in Inman. While working in Wichita, she transferred her membership to Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church. After her marriage, she joined the First Christian Church in Fredonia, where she sang in the choir, served on a variety of committees and was the Sunday school superintendent. Liz was generous and caring person, but just a little feisty. Many people are able to attest to experiencing her feistiness, as well as her generosity. Birthdays and special occasions were remembered with lovely bouquets of flowers and thoughtful gifts. Family members remember the delicious rolls with orange zest that she would bring to family gatherings. The Thomas ranch was a favorite place for Thanksgiving dinner, because it included roaming the hills for bittersweet, which later became the name for a nephew's acreage. Other memories include her interest in school activities and her obvious love for her family. She very much enjoyed being involved with her son's activities as he was growing up. For the past 16 years, she has enjoyed watching her granddaughter, Samantha, grow up to be a beautiful young lady. In addition to her husband, Charles, Liz is survived by: One son: Jon Thomas and his wife, Shannon, of Fredonia, KS One granddaughter: Samantha Thomas of Mission, Kansas One sister: Sara Penner of Wichita, KS Two brothers: Al Penner and his wife, Sue of Newton, KS Paul Penner and his wife, Joetta of Inman, KS Five nieces and nephews and eleven grandnieces and grandnephews. Liz was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Elmer. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with Rev. Jim Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, 6:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Timmons Funeral Home. Memorials have been established in Liz's name with the First Christian Church in Fredonia and the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.