Doris Joan Thomas

Doris “Joan” Thomas, 93, of Gomer, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Meadows of Kalida. She was born on January 6, 1932, in Gomer, OH, to David R. and Vera (Hunt) Lloyd. They preceded her in death. Joan was united in marriage to Ross Thomas on May 24, 1951 in Gomer. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2021.

Joan is survived by three children, Donald (Alesia) Thomas of Tucson, AZ, Marty (Deb) Thomas of Elida, and Pat (Russell) Sharrits of Columbus Grove; five grandchildren, Michelle Thomas of Elida, Russell (Stephanie) Thomas of Tucson, AZ, Beth Thomas of Akron, Chris (Sarah) Thomas of Plain City, and Jeff (Melissa) Thomas of Elida; two step-grandchildren, Scott Sharrits of Lima and Amie Sharrits of Raleigh, NC; 12 great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Pam Lloyd of SC.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard (Maureen) Lloyd, Ronald (Monetta) Lloyd, Wayne, (Gloria) Lloyd, David (Barbara) Lloyd and Gary Lloyd.

Joan was a farm wife. She retired from Elida Local Schools as a bus driver. She was a camp counselor for Elida Band for over 30 years. She was a member of Gomer Congregational Church and the Welsh Society of Northwest Ohio. She was an excellent cook, sharing her homemade jelly with friends and family.  She enjoyed sharing her homemade candies with the kids on her bus. She was an accomplished seamstress. She was a HUGE fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Gomer Congregational Church. Burial will follow in Pike Run Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home and one hour prior to service at Gomer Congregational Church.

Donations may be made to Gomer Congregational church or the Welsh society of Northwest Ohio. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Meadows of Kalida and bridges hospice for their compassionate care.