Ora Iona Thomas passed away peacefully at the age of 101 Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Allan Dell Assisted Living Facility in Newton Falls. Ora was born on April 21, 1915 in Flinton, PA the daughter of the late Harry & Ida (Oshall) Gates. Ora met her future husband, Ivan L. Thomas while working in Blandburg, PA at the Thomas Family Restaurant. Ora and Ivan were married May 21, 1939 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1989. They enjoyed 56 years of blessed marriage together before Ivan passed away on March 9, 1995. In 1953 Ivan's job was transferred to Ohio where they built a home in Newton Falls. Ora was employed for many years at the Local A & P Grocery Store in town. Ora & Ivan attended the Newton Falls United Methodist Church where they were both active. Ora helped with the rummage sales and worked in the kitchen for various dinners. In her later years she was involved in the church's prayer Shawl Ministry and made over 100 prayer shawls. Loving memories of Ora will be carried on by her son and daughter-in-law, Lynn & Barbara Thomas of Newton Falls; her two granddaughters Bethany & (Alan) West, and Andrea & (Chris) Berg all of Dublin,Ohio. Ora was affectionately known as GGThomas to her six great-grandchildren; Brady, Ruby, Ivy, Emerson West; Libby, Matilda Berg all of Dublin, Ohio. Ora also leaves behind many nieces & nephews and their families from the Gates and Lovell families. The family wishes to bestow their deepest appreciation to the staff of Allan-Dell for their care, respect, and dedication given to Ora these past three years. She was so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful caring people. Per Ora's wishes, the family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the United Methodist Church, 336 Ridge Road Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 in care of the UMW or the prayer shawl ministry, in Ora's name. Ora is preceeded in death by her husband Ivan, 2 brothers Paul and Russell and 4 sisters Gertrude McKee, Elsie Claar, Ruth Flemming and Esther Fresh. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls from 5 to 7PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 10:30AM at the Newton Falls United Methodist Church. Pastor Thomas Snyder with be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family & friends may view Ora's obituary online and to send condolences to her family, please visit www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

Friday, March 10, 2017 10:30 AM

James Funeral Home Inc. 8 East Broad St. Newton Falls, Ohio 44444