Beverlee A. Thomas passed away peacefully in her home with family and her beloved dog, “Harley,” on November 29, 2024, three days before her 91st birthday.
Born December 2, 1933, in Granite City, IL, she was the daughter of Dave and Frances (Zimmer) Thomas.
Bev dedicated her life to her career as a Registered Nurse. After graduating from Roxana High School, Bev went on to Alton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing graduating in 1954. After graduation, she worked at Alton Memorial before spending many years working in the office of Dr. Ellert. She spent the last 20 years of her career at Wood River Township Hospital working in surgical and orthopedics. This is where she met lifelong friends, including dear friend Shirley (Bill) Gillihan.
After retirement in 1995, Bev spent time quilting, and was a member of the Quilt Guild, and was a volunteer at Operation Blessing. She was an active member at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Wood River, and often could be found taking tickets at the spaghetti dinners or handing out hot cocoa at the Halloween parade.
While she was dedicated to many activities, none ranked as high as her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. A fan of the game of baseball, she would watch any game, but she would only root for her Cardinals. She did not miss a game and would even watch a replay if she dozed off and missed a few innings.
Blood does not make a family, love does, and Bev leaves behind family that loved her and surrounded her to her last breath. Surviving are Marilyn Frye of East Alton, Jill, Dave and Riley Oller of Collinsville, Sharon Oller of Roxana and Jackie Oller of Roxana. She was proceeded in death by both her parents, and June and George Ogilive, Michael Frye and Cory Frye.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to BJC Hospice and the caregivers from Morning Star Home Health Care. Without their support, guidance and care, Bev’s wishes to stay in her home could not have happened.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 3 p.m. until time of service at 5 p.m. at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Pastor John Panloski will officiate.
A private burial will follow at Sunset Hills Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Wood River, IL.
