Vada Rogers Thomas

Vada R. Thomas died at her Linden, Arizona home on Saturday, February 2, 2008 on her 84th birthday surrounded by her family. She was born on February 2, 1924 in Snowflake, Arizona to the late Willard Ahlin and Etta Pearl (Crandell) Rogers. Her home was on the original homestead in Linden that her parents fenced and improved, the same place where she grew up. She married William Wood "Bill" Thomas on October 8, 1938 in Gallup, New Mexico. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vada was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She was a visiting teacher for 70 years, and at least 95% of the time contacted 100% of her sisters. She had almost unlimited talents. Vada was an accomplished seamstress and made most of the family's clothes and made clothes for others to supplement the family income. She also owned a floral shop for a time and made beautiful arrangements, corsages and bouquets for all occasions. She was a wonderful cook and loved to quilt and crochet. Vada was a master at "making do" with what she had. Vada is survived by 2 sons: Larrie Ray Thomas (Sherry) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ivan William Thomas (Pamela) of Linden, Arizona; 3 daughters: Vada Nelcine Holland of Linden, Arizona, Lea Jeanene Gilpin (Lee) of Linden, Arizona, Delonna T. Oskouee (Sasan) of Tucson, Arizona; 1 sister-in-law: Evon Rogers of Apache Junction, Arizona; 31 grandchildren; 86 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Vada was preceded in death by a son, Willard Charles Thomas when he was 15 years old and her husband, Bill, in August of 1997. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers: Ivan Willard Rogers and Albert Davis Rogers. The viewing and visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 8, 2008 at Owens Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The Funeral Service will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Show Low Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 W. Deuce of Clubs in Show Low, where an additional viewing will be 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at the Show Low Cemetery.