Obituary of Ethel Jones Thomas

Ethel Jones Thomas passed away on March 19, 2023, at the age of 89. She was born on February 9, 1934, to Columbus A. and Lucy A. Jones in Medill, Texas. Ethel was the fifth of eight children and was often given the duty of caring for the younger three. Ethel was predeceased by her husband, Captain Terry Thomas; son, William (Billy) Simard; her parents; and five siblings. Ethel is survived by her son, Robert (Rhonda) Simard of Sutter; grandsons, Dylan Simard (Hannah) of Nevada, and Drew Simard of Florida; sisters, Karen Curtis of Pennsylvania, and Barbara Carden of Yuba City; sister-in-law, Mary Jones of Chandler, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ethel's career was in banking. Right out of high school graduation, she started work as a bank teller at Valley National Bank in Coolidge, AZ, and continued her career in Tucson, AZ, Charleston SC, and at 1st Interstate Bank in Marysville, CA, where she worked for many years before retiring. She loved her customers, and they loved her. She was a television sports enthusiast and loved discussing football and golf with them. Ethel crocheted many beautiful Afghans for friends and family. One of her greatest joys was crocheting and watching a football game, while every stitch was perfect. A big thank you to Charlotte, her part-time at home caregiver, for giving her such good care, so much fun, love, conversation, and Chalupas during Ethel's last year of living, and a big thank you to Susan for always being available to stay with Ethel so I could get away for a bit. Also a big thank you to Emerald Oaks Care Home staff for lovingly caring for her and to Freedom Hospice for always being there to comfort her. In lieu of flowers, please offer a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org in her honor. A graveside service will be at Sierra View Cemetery in Marysville, where she will be joined with her son, William (Billy) in loving memory, on April 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Reception to follow.