Obituaries

May 30, 1924 to October 10, 2010

WINAMAC - E. Rachel Cole Thompson Gast, 86, of 1038 E. 315 South Winamac, died at 11:25 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 10, at Pulaski Healthcare Center in Winamac.

She was born May 30, 1924, in Hallsville, Texas to the late Aden and Ethel Muntz Cole. She married Richard W. Thompson on May 30, 1946 in Marshall, Texas. He died on July 19, 1994. She married K. Stuart Gast on Sept. 10, 1995. He survives.

Also surviving are:
Mary E. (Robert)Cole, Greenwood, Daughter & son-in-law
Linda G. (John) Gingerich, Akron, OH, Daughter & son-in-law
Kathleen A. Thompson, Star City, Daughter
James W. Thompson, Star City, Son
9 Grandchildren
1 Great Grandchild
Jon (Barbara) Gast, Kewanna, Step son
Roselyn Gast (Doug) Paul, Canterbury, CT, Step daughter
4 step grandchildren
3 step great grandchildren
Mary Thompson Powers, Sister-in-law
Iris Puckett Cole, Sister-in-law
Bill Thompson, Brother-in-law

She was preceded in death by:
Richard Alan Thompson, Son
Lois Walker, Sister
Aden Cole Jr., Brother
Woodard Cole, Brother
Jake Cole, Brother

Mrs. Thompson Gast taught piano from her home near Star City for decades. She was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church, and was resposible for the church music programs for many years. She also served as the church pianist and organist for many years. She was an accomplished seamstress and kept her family fed for many winters on the bounty of her garden. She was involved as a member or volunteer for many community organizations, including the Pulaski County Community Foundation, the American Legion Auxillary, Extension Homemakers and the Toastmistress Club. She was also a volunteer literacy tutor. Shel was honored as a Woman of Pulaski County in 2008.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday (Oct. 14), at the Star City United Methodist Church, Star City, with Pastor Ron Mabry officiating. Burial will be in Star City West Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.