Patricia Ann Thomas, 68, Dies Weeks Before Retirement After Decades of Dedication

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH — Patricia Ann Thomas, known affectionately by many as “Ma,” passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at East Liverpool City Hospital. She was 68 years old.

Born on April 13, 1957, in East Liverpool to the late Richard and Fannie (Howell) Grodhaus, Pat was a lifelong resident of the area and a beloved figure in the Salineville and Southern Local Schools communities. She dedicated her life to service — not only as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister — but also as a cherished school employee, church volunteer, and friend to all who knew her.

For 37 years, Pat was a cornerstone at Southern Local Schools, where she worked primarily as the high school secretary. Her warm personality and nurturing presence earned her the title of “bonus mom” to countless students and staff members throughout the years. With her retirement just weeks away in July, Pat was looking forward to the next chapter in life after nearly four decades of dedicated service to her school family.

Pat was also a devoted member of Salineville United Methodist Church, where she found joy in teaching Sunday School, participating in Vacation Bible School, and coordinating the children’s Christmas plays during the holiday season. Her faith and kindness left a lasting impression on the church community and beyond.

On July 25, 1975, she married the love of her life, Gary Thomas. The couple shared nearly 50 years of unwavering love, partnership, and joy. Together, they built a life filled with family traditions, baseball games, Mustang drives, and beach vacations. Pat especially loved watching the Pittsburgh Pirates with Gary, sharing afternoon joyrides in their red Mustang, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband Gary, and her loving children: Nikki (Chris) Lewis of Salineville, Jake (Amber) Thomas of Pomeroy, and Holly (Josh) Davis of Hammondsville. She was a proud and doting grandmother to seven grandchildren: Conner and Kennedy Jo Lewis, Lincoln, Ashlynn, and Mia Thomas, and Kennedy Renea and Carter Davis. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she was a constant source of encouragement and support in their lives — particularly when cheering them on during their many sporting events.

Pat’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She will be deeply missed by her siblings: sister Sondra (Richard) Backus of South Carolina and brother Denny Grodhaus of Lisbon; her brother-in-law Davey Thomas of Salineville; sister-in-law Shelly Grodhaus of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and her beloved dog Homer, who brought her comfort and companionship in recent years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Grodhaus (1987) and Fannie Grodhaus (2009), her brother Dick Grodhaus (1987), father-in-law Dave Thomas (1980), and mother-in-law Coralie Thomas (2021).

A woman of faith, warmth, and unwavering compassion, Pat Thomas will be remembered for her deep commitment to her family, her church, her school, and her community. Whether it was organizing school events, leading a classroom of children at Sunday School, or preparing a holiday feast alongside her granddaughter Kennedy Jo, Pat’s spirit of service and love radiated in everything she did.

Funeral services honoring her life will be held at Kerr Watson Funeral Home on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. John Fitch and Pastor Pat Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather at the funeral home for visitation on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Pat’s memory to the Salineville Kiwanis, an organization close to her heart, at P.O. Box 85, Salineville, OH 43945.

To view the obituary online or to share condolences with the family, please visit www.kerrwatsonfh.com.

Though Pat Thomas may no longer walk among us, her legacy — of love, laughter, kindness, and commitment — will forever echo in the halls of Southern Local Schools, in the pews of her church, and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.