Lauretta Thomas

Lauretta Corrine Vergiels Thomas, age 85, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005, at home in Corsicana. Lauretta was born Aug. 7, 1920, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Erwin and Martha Vergiels. Prior to retiring to Corsicana in 1995, Lauretta was an office manager, active in her community as a hospital volunteer, Girl Scout leader, and AARP president. She also traveled extensively. Retirement included time with her children, grandchildren, PALS Club, Senior Friends, and playing bingo. In 1939, Lauretta married Alfred Michael Thomas. They were married 57 years when he passed away in 1997. Survivors include her children, Carole and Dave Jenkins of Corsicana, Terry Thomas and Janice Coffee of Dallas, Diane Thomas of West Bend, Wis., and Bonnie and Don Ricchio of Racine, Wis.; children and great-grandchildren, Carrie and Dale Todd (Tara and Shane) of Corsicana, Jonell Jenkins-White (Lucas and Jacob) of Corsicana, Stacie and Melvin Roseborough of Waco, Jennifer and Wayne Granat (Thomas and Isabel) of Savannah, Ga., Ian Thomas of Waukesha, Wis., Aaron Gilhouse (Justine) of Milwaukee, Wis., Amber Schaus of Racine, Wis., Lauren and John Laughrin of Campbellsport, Wis., and Alyson Gilhouse (Ava) of Racine, Wis. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Howard Katz and staff of Corsicana, Dr. Irwin Schussler of Fort Worth, and the staff, volunteers and chaplains of Hospice of Cedar Lake for their compassionate care and support. Thank you to the caring staff of Alterra Sterling House during Lauretta?s time there and to in-home caregivers Alice Avalos, Jimmie Childers, Jewel White and Myra Glover. Special thanks to the Rev. Danilo Ramos and Sylvia Bonin, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Corsicana, for personally meeting Lauretta?s religious needs when she could no longer attend Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association or St. Vincent DePaul Society at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Corsicana. A memorial Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Corsicana with the Rev. Danilo Ramos officiating. A memorial guest book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com and click on obituaries. Go to the name Lauretta Thomas to sign the book and submit a memorial message. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. 8

Lauretta Thomas

August 7, 1920 - November 8, 2005