Faye Jones Thomas, 26 September 1914

Faye Jones Thomas, 87, formerly of Malad, passed away January 27, 2002 after a brief illness in Missoula, MT.

Faye was the youngest child of John L. and Margery Tovey Jones. She was born on September 26, 1914 at St. John, ID. She attended school there and graduated from high school in Malad. She earned a two year teaching certificate at Southern Branch, now Idaho State University, then started teaching at Cherry Creek. She completed her teaching requirements at ISU, graduating in 1963.

Education was of great importance to her and was exemplified by her philosophy. She always tried to teach each child as an individual, and took as much time as possible to get close to each one of them. She retired from 37 years of dedicated teaching from the Oneida School District.

Faye married Frank Carson Thomas on June 13, 1935 and together they raised and educated four sons. Frank preceded her in death in 1996 after 61 years of marriage.

Faye was active in many organizations. She was Idaho department president and western states vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary, was a charter member of Eagles Auxiliary, and member and past worthy matron of Acacia chapter, IES. She was also active in the Pink Ladies, volunteering her service at the local nursing home. She was also an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church.

Faye always enjoyed traveling, and was able to do even more after her retirement. She always stayed busy creating unique crafts, sewing and gardening. She approached everything with enthusiasm. But her greatest passion was fishing, and she was a gifted fisherwoman.

During her last years Alzheimer’s slowly robbed her of her short term memory and made daily functioning very difficult. But it did not take away her intelligence, quick wit and sharp sense of humor. We will always remember her for her hearty laugh.

Faye is survived by her sons and daughters in law, Roger and Donna of Missoula, MT; Mike and Diana of Weiser, ID; Frank and Judy of Pocatello; and John and Kimberly of Evanston, WY; grandchildren include Chris and his wife, Regina; Ethan, Jeff, Scott and his wife, Tarra; Sarah Faye and her husband, Mike Jernigan; Clint and wife, Amanda and children Trent and Skylar; Jackie and her husband, Dan Thornton and daughter, Carter. She is also survived by her sisters, Hazel and Jane, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held January 31 at Horsley Funeral Home.