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BORN
1930
DIED
2011
Ellen Thomas Obituary
Ellen was born April 20, 1930, to Joe and Selina (Paul) Joseph in Old Tanacross.
She loved to bead, pick berries, fish and attend fiddle dances with her husband, Kenny, and go camping with family. She loved to take daily walks with her daughters and others.
She also was a dedicated Christian at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Tanacross. Ellen loved spending time with her grandchildren and family, teaching them with respect, culture and religion. She raised her family with great love, teaching them to care for others, also teaching them the subsistence lifestyle and to have respect for others.
Last year, she sewed her great-grandson a pair of moccasins before she gave her sewing things to all her granddaughters! She participated in the Mansfield Culture Camp for many years and was everyone's Gramma. To many she is "Gramma Ellen."
Ellen had worked as a home care provider, health aide and as a cook for the Bureau of Indian Affairs school for more the 20 years in the old and new villages of Tanacross. Ellen had a lot of love and kindness for her friends and other communities all over Alaska.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Selina Joseph; sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Oscar; four sisters and four brothers; two children, Delbert and Debbie Thomas; and grandchild, Tanisha Jonathan.
She is survived by her husband of 65 wonderful years, Kenneth Thomas Sr., and together they had 10 children: Mildred, Betty, Ray, Kenny Jr., Diane, Kirby, Nancy and Debbie; Gramma helped raise Richard Thomas, Colleen E. Denny, Michael Thomas and others; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren who she loved dearly and cherished each and every day; she is also survived by her niece, Irene Arnold and family; the late Martha Isaac's family; and the late Nancy Paul's family.
On behalf of the family, we would like to say thank you to all for being a part of her life. Thank you all for everything, God bless.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Tok School Gymnasium. Burial will follow at the New Tanacross Cemetery. A traditional potlatch will be held Saturday evening.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Fairbanks Funeral Home & Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Thomas
corinna christian
May 23, 2011
Me and my family send our love, and condondolences to the family of Ellen J. Thomas, and to her son Ray.T. Bless you all, your in our preyer's, be srong, always! from Vashr'aii k'oo gwich'in. corinna, bruce, nevada and jose, and cole.
Edna Peters
May 22, 2011
I met Ellen at health aide retreats and trainings. She was a wonderful person and very dedicated. It was a pleasure to know her and my life is the better for it. Rest in peace Ellen and condolences to her family. Sincerely, Edna Peters
Hudson Sam
May 22, 2011
Our condolences to kenny and family! She was a good friend of ours even though we were much younger than her, may she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! god bless!
Amy Modig
May 21, 2011
God bless you and all of your family. You were so sweet to this transplant of my Dad Spy and Mom Bee. We see your beauty and sweetness in your children, your grandchildren and even great grandchildren. Heaven is brighter because you are there. Our prayers are with the family and the village of Tanacross and the prayers were joined with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers here in Anchorage. Love, Amy, Doug, Kira, Sasha, Charley and grandbabies
Helga
May 20, 2011
Dear Thomas Family, Kenny, Betty and you others who let this German woman into your lives, Dear Ellen, now that you are in your final resting place: Thank you again for all your compassion and honesty you brought to people, for your never ending smiles, even when it was difficult, your mind- and heartful ways, and for showing and teaching me the Indian way. I am honored to have known you for many years. You will always be in my heart and on my mind.
Terry Norman
May 20, 2011
R.I.P. Ellen Thomas.. what a great contribution to humanity you were... my thoughts and prayers are with your family and husband Kenny.
Geralyn Broker/Curtis
May 20, 2011
Mrs. Thomas was always very nice to me. She was the one who did the beading on my first squaredance dress--the one that drew the most postive comments. To Kenny and the family although we won't be able to join with you at this time, you are in our hearts & prayers. God Bless you all. I know dad and Leoma have met up with Mrs. Thomas in heaven and they're all probably now playing bingo! Take care--and again God Bless youa ll
Darlene Summar-Charles
May 20, 2011
Kenny and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Know that Ellen would want you to 'celebrate' her life and the legacy she has left behind. I was fortunate and privilaged to have known her. Ellen always had a kind word to say, a smile for everyone. May God bless each of you.
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