Obituaries

June 2, 1956 to May 29, 2021

WINAMAC - Claudia Clarice Marie Thomas, 64, of Ora, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 29, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born June 2, 1956 in Chicago, to the late Virgil and Elvira Wiler Newton. She graduated from Argos High School. She married Mitchell Thomas. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Calvert (Kyri) Quimby, Talma, Son
Cassidy (Dawn) Quimby, Argos, Son
Criston (Scott) Zehner, Monterey, Daughter
Layla Thomas, Ora, Daughter
Jessica Thomas, Winamac, Step-Daughter
15 Grandchildren
1 Great-Grandson
Many Nieces and Nephews
Stanley (Susan) Quimby, South Bend, Former Husband

Preceded in death by:
Earl Newton, Brother
LeRoy Newton, Brother
Wilma McMichael, Sister
Tommy Newton, Brother
Muriel Hartgraves, Sister

Although Mrs. Thomas didn’t attend college directly after high school, she took the time she needed to raise her children. Later in life, she went on to pursue her own professional goals by getting her associate’s degree in criminal justice from Ancilla College and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Institute of Technology. She was employed at Advocacy Links as a case manager. She dedicated her life to helping others. She genuinely embodied the Advocacy Links mission statement of advocating for people who needed help, connecting people to fiscally responsible resources, and respecting everyone in the process. This is true both in her professional and personal life. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially bird and butterfly watching as well as gardening. She also enjoyed reading. She was an avid horse racing fan and always looked forward to the annual trip she took to the Sulky Horse Races in Anderson. Most of all, she adored her family and loved cooking for them and having everyone in her home for gatherings. She will be deeply missed by so many.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Dana Neer officiating. Visitation will follow from 2 to 7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.