Emma Lou Thomas

Emma Lou Thomas, age 78, of Cave Junction, died Monday, February 3, 2014 at her home.

A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Bridgeview Community Church. Private interment will be at Laurel Cemetery. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Emma was born June 26, 1935 in Roswell, New Mexico to Earl & Hope Arnett. She was the youngest of 11 children. In January 1955 she joined the United States Army and while stationed in Anniston, Alabama she met, Marvin Thomas. After her honorable discharge, they were married on September 7, 1957 in Waterford, California. She moved from Waterford to Cave Junction, Oregon 42 years ago.

Emma volunteered by teaching English to help people gain their U.S. citizenship. She also organized a weight loss group.

Emma was a self-taught painter; she also enjoyed reading, designing flower gardens, cooking, and baking.

In addition to her husband, Marvin C. Thomas of Cave Junction, Oregon; she is survived by a daughter, Hope Roll of Cave Junction, Oregon; a son, Mark Thomas of Windsor, Colorado; a sister, Verna Harmon; a brother, Glen Arnett; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl & Hope Arnett; three sisters, Catherine, Elsie, and Velma; and five brothers, Loyd, Darwin, Wayne, Lawrence and Alfred.