Ferd Thoma, age 85, of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the Hospice House in Poland, OH. Ferd was born on December 19, 1926 in Fremont, OH the son of the late Adam & Ettie Maybell (Henry) Thoma. Ferd graduated from Anderson University with a B.S. in Business Education, Columbia University with a Masters in Business Education, and LaSalle Extension with a degree in Higher Accounting. Ferd married the love of his life, Alores Sena Walton on June 25, 1948 and they had 60 years of blessed marriage together before she passed away on December 20, 2008. He had lived in Newton Falls for 25 years working as a teacher for 38 years at Berkshire High School and Trumbull Business College before retiring in 1980. Ferd was a member of the First Church of God and The Silver Sneakers both in Newton Falls. He enjoyed doing yoga, going to the library, baking, walking, exercising, politics, and reading all genres. He was a Staff Sgt in the US Army serving during WWII where he was a Court Reporter. Ferd lived by his motto: "Live simply so others can simply live." He had a great sense of humor and loved all kinds of music. He lived his life doing for others. Memories of Ferd will be carried on by his loving family; his daughter & son-in-law Penny & George Culver of Newton Falls; his son & daughter-in-law Bob & Lana Thoma of Fowler; his grandson Robert J. Thoma of Fowler; his granddaughter Heather & Jim Brady of Elyria; great-granddaughter Tiffany Brady; great grandson Christopher Brady. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alores, his 2 sisters: Helen Saam, & Ruth Raifsnider. The family will receive friends for calling hours at the First Church of God in Newton Falls on Tuesday Jan. 31, 2012 from 5-8 pm and 10-11am Wednesday Feb. 1, 2012 where a service will follow at 11:00am with Rev. Steven Spurlock officiating. Ferd will then be laid to rest next to his wife Alores at Newton Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that all donations please be made to either the Newton Falls Public Library Building Fund 204 South Canal St. Newton Falls, OH 44444, Hospice of the Valley Hospice House 9803 Sharrott Rd. Poland, OH 44514, or the Animal Welfare League Shelter 545 Brunstetter Road SW Warren, Ohio 44481-9600. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com