Karen L. Thomas, age 73, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away at Holzer Hospital of Jackson on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2017.
Karen was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on Sept. 9, 1943. She graduated from Jackson High School as valedictorian and continued to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Ohio University.
Karen’s first year of teaching was in McArthur, Ohio, with the remainder of her career spent in the Jackson City Schools as a speech and hearing therapist, elementary school teacher, and later a middle school teacher. She enjoyed many different hobbies related to arts and crafts, adored reading, and she loved to travel to near and far away places. In recent years, she was devoted to her two Yorkshire Terriers (Nicky and Sammy) and involved in several Bible study and Sunday school groups.
She was married to Donald L. Thomas from Oak Hill, Ohio, for 32 years, and they had one daughter, Daren L. Thomas, of Pickerington, Ohio. Karen is survived by her long-time partner and best friend John J. Nick of Jackson, Ohio. She leaves behind many relatives and friends, including close cousins Pamela (Lackey) Freeland of Jackson, Ohio and Eric Eisnaugle of Sebring, Florida. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore R. and Charlotte (Lewis) Eisnaugle of Jackson, Ohio and her sister, Krista Lewis Eisnaugle of Carroll, Ohio.
Private services will be held at the graveside for the family with Pastor Janie Karl of Christ United Methodist Church officiating. Memorial donations may be made to: Holzer Hospice, Memorial Donations, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, OH 45631 or to your favorite animal protection organization.
Karen was very appreciative of all the cards and flowers sent during her illness. Each thoughtful gesture was uplifting and brought a smile.
Friends and relatives may visit online (www.lewisgillum.com) to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.