Margaret (Peg) Thomas, 92, of New Albany and formerly of Oak Hill, passed away on April 6, 2022, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late John (Jack), to whom she was married for 64 years. As a couple, Peg and Jack were devoted to one and other, their family, the Buckeyes, their individual vocations, travel (here and abroad) and having a good time!
Peg was born in 1929 and lived most of her childhood on the farm of her grandparents in Jackson, Ohio. She married Jack in 1950 and became a mother to Lynda, Sue and Beth while working at the Oak Hill Hospital and then the University of Rio Grande, where she also became a student. Graduating in 1972 with a BA in English and Psychology, Peg then worked to receive a master’s degree in Education and Administration from Ohio University. During her long tenure as Director of Development and Placement and then Director of the Counseling Center at the University of Rio Grande, Peg was responsible for guiding thousands of students from the time they entered college to graduation and employment. She planned and implemented new and successful programs and attained a 97% placement record for the University. In addition, she taught English and operated a Certified Mental Health facility on the campus. She loved Rio Grande and its faculty and staff.
In addition to her successful career, Peg was a Matron of the Oak Hill order of the Eastern Star; President of the Oak Hill P.T.O.; a member of the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School; a Girl Scout leader; Board member and Grand Marshal of the Festival of Flags; various professional Boards including Planned Parenthood and Gallipolis Developmental Service; an avid bridge player and fan of playing the “slots” in various casinos. She received numerous honors for her professional and civic contributions including the Alumni Award from Rio Grande Alumni Association, Professor of the Year, and International Women’s Year Southeastern Ohio Representative.
Peg is survived by her daughters, Lynda Thomas, of Lakewood Ranch, FL and Falmouth, MA, Sue Smith and her husband Mike of Bella Vista, AR, Beth Howard and her husband John of Falmouth, MA; four grandchildren: T.J. Thomas, Dorchester, MA, Meghan Smith, and her husband Jake, Bentonville, AR, Whitney Thomas and her wife Jaime, Bolton, MA and Brittany Smith, Bella Vista, AR; two great-grandchildren: Sawyer and Rowan. She is also survived by her sister, JoAnn Thomas of Oak Hill, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack.
At this time, no funeral is planned, but a Memorial Service will be held later. Donations in memory of Peg can be made to the Margaret A. (Peg) Thomas Scholarship Fund c/o of University of Rio Grande, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674 or at www.rio.edu\giving. Arrangements and care of family are by Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville. Online condolences can be made at olivercheekfuneralhome.com