Obituary of Geri Thomas

GERALDINE ANN "GERIANE" (OLICK) THOMAS, 64, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, at her home after an 18-month struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was born Jan. 20, 1949, in Sidney, Neb., to the late Walter and Stella (Feik) Olick. She graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic School in Sterling, Colo., in 1967. She was married and had three children with Don Boothe in Sterling, Colo., where she graduated from cosmetology school at Northeastern Junior College in 1973 and worked as a beautician at Helen's Classy Curls. Geri was an artistic, intelligent, creative and courageous soul with diverse work experiences and passions. She worked as a telephone operator, waitress at Atwood Steakhouse, bartender at Sterling Country Club, Home Interiors consultant and more. After her divorce, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Northern Colorado and participated in community theater, where she met her soulmate, Roger Thomas. Geri and Roger married on May 6, 1988, in Pierce, Colo. They moved to Doniphan, Mo., that summer and later opened Thomasina's Antique Furniture & Restoration in 1989 and Ozarkia Crafts & Gifts before moving back to Colorado in 2004 and starting Thomas Scrappers drywall scrapping business. But Geri's heart was in the hills and forests of the Ozarks, so she and Roger returned to Missouri in 2009. She especially loved Current River and spent many happy hours floating. Outside of her professional pursuits, she had many varied hobbies and passions, including painting, acting, singing, guitar, macramé, sewing and crafts. She earned teaching credentials for Gi Ru Kenpo Karate after Grandmaster Hideyasee Harada came from Tokyo to administer her final test. She was also a Reiki Master. All animals were naturally drawn to Geri and she especially loved horses. She also enjoyed Elvis Presley music, reading, collecting mouse and frog knick knacks, and playing card games and dice. Surviving are husband Roger Thomas; six children, Dawn Ann (and Rob) Wynne of Wellington, Colo., Brian Thomas (and Roxie) of Eaton, Colo., Robyn Boothe (and Michael) of Sterling, Colo., Jonathan (and Ashley) Boothe of Severance, Colo., Rebecca (and Kurt) Frizzel of Orlando, Fla., and Devin (and Lori) Thomas; two grandchildren, Ryan Swanson and Marissa Swanson; brother, Raymond (and Linda) Olick; and numerous nephews, cousins, aunts and dear friends. Geri was loved, respected, and cherished by her family, friends, and all who knew her. It was truly a blessing to know her and share her life. The family extends thanks to VNA Hospice for their care and support and sincere appreciation to Lori Dobbs, our patient advocate with the ALS Association. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter, P.O. Box 5278, Peoria, IL 61601. Visitation will begin Thursday Sept. 26 2013 at 4 p.m. A formal memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Missouri. Friends and family invite you to also attend a Celebration of Life, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 27, 2013, at Patsy's Journeyman Restaurant on Hwy. 21 in Doniphan, Missouri.