By Ruth Helen Thomas, born August 15, 1934, in Douglas, Texas, to Eugene and Corine Ellis, passed away March 23, 2026.

Ruth was a devoted wife of 46 years to Burl P. Thomas, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—known lovingly as “Mother” and “Mamaw.” She dedicated over 30 years of service to Southwestern Bell before retiring, but her greatest life’s work was her family where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment. She believed deeply in hard work and responsibility, values she not only lived by but passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Ruth raised her family with unwavering dedication, balancing the demands of her career while always making her loved ones her first priority. She showed her children the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and caring for one another. Her strength, guidance, and steady presence shaped the lives of those who knew her, and her family remained the center of her world.

She is survived by her children: Lisa Nicholson and Pat McLennan, Cheryl Ialacci and husband Wesley, Cheryl Meistad and Rhonda Nicholson. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Cody Nicholson and Abbey Hebert, Hunter Hott and wife Veronica, Channing Solomon and husband Matt, Caleb Nicholson and wife Jessica, Roger E. Guynes and wife Kaleb, Michael Guynes and wife Tiffany, Kirby Kneale and husband Colton, and Guy Nicholson.

Her love continues through her great-grandchildren: Cannon and Bristol Nicholson; Hunter II and Cooper Hott; Parker and Reid Solomon; Carson and Stella Nicholson; Maddox and Judson Guynes; Blayton and Bowan Guynes; Connor Kneale; and Eli Nicholson.

She is also survived by her sisters Shirley, Debbie, and Peggy, and her brothers Alvie, Billy Joe and Kenneth.

Ruth is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Burl P. Thomas; her parents; her sons, Randy Guynes and Roger A. Guynes; her beloved granddaughter, Jenna Brooke Nicholson; her son-in-law, Roger Lakey; and her siblings Ann, Bobby, Lonnie, and Gary.

Ruth will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and the warmth she brought into every room. Her home was always open, and everyone who entered was made to feel welcome. She took great pride in caring for those she loved, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She was known for always being beautifully dressed and for her incredible cooking—her chicken and dumplings, veal cutlets, and homemade biscuits were unmatched and lovingly shared with family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Cody Nicholson, Caleb Nicholson, Roger Guynes, Michael Guynes, and Colton Kneale. Honorary pallbearers will be Wesley Ialacci, JB Nicholson, Greg Wakefield and Pat McLennan.

Ruth’s legacy is one of love, strength, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.