Freida E. Thomas, age 94, of Wheeler, died Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Schnepp Health Care Center in St. Louis.

Freida was born February 23, 1917, one of eight children born to Otis and Elsie (Markham) Andrews. She married Ernest D. Thomas on June 1, 1938 in St. Louis. 

Flowers, birds, cats, and family were just a few of Freida’s favorite things. She will be remembered by her family for her good nature and wonderful family meals. Her baked beans, chicken and biscuits, and pies were often requested. She and her husband were strongly involved in the Edgewood Church of God, where she taught Sunday School for 40 years , and was active in the Women’s Group. Her neighbors and friends were very important to her.

Due to her mother’s early passing, she welcomed four of her siblings to live in their home at different intervals. She later cared for her father-in-law for several years.

Freida is survived by her children, John (Elaine) Thomas of Ithaca, and Dave (Kathryn) Thomas of Wheeler; her grandchildren, Sheila (Tony) Casey, Neil (Susan) Thomas, Michael (Lori) Thomas, Matthew (Michelle) Thomas, and Cynthia Thomas; and her great grandchildren, Garrett Thomas, Seth Casey, Brandon Thomas, Evan Casey, Ashlyn Thomas, Ethan Thomas, Nolan Casey, Reed Thomas and Holden Thomas.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 13, at the Edgewood Church of God. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot Commission on Aging or the Edgewood Church of God.