Judith Thomas

MADISON- Judith May (Schlegel) Thomas, age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. She was born on Dec. 19, 1914 in Ashville, Ohio, the daughter of Edwin and Tina Bell Schlegel. Judy graduated from Ashville High School in 1933 and over the years has regaled her family with stories of the excitement of playing on their girls' basketball team and the joys of growing up in this small Ohio town. Judy attended Blackstone College in Virginia and graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in nursing in 1939. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and it was at Ohio State that Judy fell in love with Frederick Thomas. They were married on Nov. 4, 1939 at Riverside Church in New York City and lived and worked the next three years in several southern cities. Judy served in the Army Nurse Corps in England from 1943-45. Following the war the couple moved to Madison for graduate studies. Their son Charles was born in 1947 and Judy received her master's degree in education in 1948.
Judy was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ since 1954 and its women's fellowship group. Judy was a dedicated mother and a beloved grandma. Picture framing, furniture refinishing, genealogy and reminiscence writing captured her interest. Family and friends were important to Judy. She loved camping with the family, corresponding with lifelong friends, and attending high school reunions with her niece Julie well into her eighties.
Judith is survived by her son Charles and his wife Christine of Madison; grandchildren Sarah of Madison, and Eric and his wife Alexandra Salmon of Seattle, WA; nieces Julie Kepner of St. Louis, MO and Judith Fischer of Palmetto, FL.
Charles and Chris invite friends and neighbors to their home at 207 Falles Ct. on Sun, Oct. 28 from 3-5pm to join their family in remembering Judy. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Eau Claire, WI. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711 or The Ashville Area Heritage Society, 34 Long St., Ashville, OH 43103.
We want to thank First Congregational Church, the UW Health Geriatrics team, and the dedicated and compassionate caregivers from BrightStar Care and Agrace HospiceCare for all they have done in support of Judy and our family.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service