Ruth Loretta "Carrol" Thomas

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Santa Clara High School University of San Francisco

Ruth Thomas Obituary

Ruth Loretta "Carrol" Thomas Ruth Loretta "Carrol" Thomas, 75, of Paramount, passed away on November 15, 2010. Carrol was born and raised in Oxnard, California. She is a graduate of Santa Clara High School and graduated from Immaculate Heart College - Los Angeles with a teaching degree. She also attended the University of San Francisco where she received a credential in library science. Carrol was a teacher for over four decades. Loving sister to Margaret Enriquez (Jose), James Thomas, Mari Thomas and Claire Macklin (Walt), she is survived by twenty-two nieces and nephews. Carrol was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Anna Thomas, her brother, Arthur Thomas and sister, Betty McAllister. Carrol moved to Paramount in 1963 where she served for eighteen years at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in various positions: teacher, principal, librarian and parish ministry. In 1981, she went to Ghana, West Africa, to establish a library at a pastoral and social institute. Upon returning to California, Carrol began teaching English as a second language (E.S.L.) at the Paramount Adult School where she taught for 12 years. Carrol spent two summers teaching E.S.L. to hotel workers in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico as part of a teacher exchange program. Through her work at the adult school, Carrol became associated with Weber Metals where she taught E.S.L. and classes to help employees earn their citizenship. Carrol worked for Weber Metals for over 10 years and was inspired by the determination and positive attitudes of her students. The family wishes to thank Mary Patridge, Manuel Gutierrez and Elisa Ramirez Gutierrez for their loving support and companionship to Carrol. They would also like to thank Sister Anna and the Sisters at Our Lady of the Rosary for their friendship and spiritual support for many years. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Paramount. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to: Ghana Missions c/o Daughters of Mary and Joseph, 5300 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits.

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Published by Press-Telegram on Nov. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Thomas

13 Entries

Debbie Kirby

December 19, 2010

Carol was a wonderful friend and neighbor and had a heart full of love for people. She is greatly missed.

Margaret Baltzell

November 23, 2010

Aunt ruthy was a great insparation and lovely blessing in many peoples lives. It was an honor to have known her. She will be missed. Margaret(thoma)Baltzell

November 21, 2010

My condolences to All the Thomas family. I went to high school with four of them. I ran into Ruth in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
several years ago. They are a wonderful Family. Al Gonzalez, class of 1947 SCHS

November 20, 2010

Ruthie (Rollie) was one of Gods great gifts to all of us who knew her.She will always remain in my heart and in my prayers Pat(valentine)Martin

Kathy Cassaro

November 20, 2010

I also had Sister Caroll in the 4th grade. She was always calm, gentle, and patient. I know myself along with the rest of the class really enjoyed having her as our teacher. I am inspired when I read about all that she did to make this world a better place. God gave us gift through her life but now He wants Sister Carrol home with Him. Thanks for blessing us with Sister Carroll. We were fortunate to know her.

November 19, 2010

Dear Thomas Family,
We will dearly miss your baby sister, Ruth. She has done so much good in the world during her lifetime. Your parents must be very proud. Tom and I were very impressed by our visit with her on one of her last trips to Santa Clara Church. It was fun growing up with her and I will always remember the good times we've shared with all of your family.
Our prayers are with all of you,
Betty & Tom Gerrety

Mike Nelson

November 19, 2010

What can I say about Sister Carol. Out of all the teachers I've had she was my favorite, not only because she was a great teacher but because she was a great person. She will always have a special place in my heart as I know that she will always be in the hearts of so many that she touch.

Donna Clark

November 19, 2010

I only knew her as Rollie, she went to school with my mom Patricia (Valentine) Martin, and I met her at their 25th reunion, I remember thinking she was the tallest person I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Vikki Westerskov

November 19, 2010

St. Carol exuded warmth, acceptance and love to everyone she encountered. She was beautiful inside and out. As my fourth grade teacher, I got to spend a considerable amount of time with her and am thankful for every minute.

Virginia Chavez

November 18, 2010

Carrol Thomas was the most gentle person I have ever known. I worked along side her volunteering at OLR Library,drying fruit to send to Africa back in the 70's, working at Gaines/Los Cerritos Schools in Paramount and each time I dropped my children off at OLR. Carrol was such a giving and unselfish person, always doing for others. She was an angel on earth. I especially enjoyed our potlucks with the sisters from Africa. I have many wonderful memories of our times together and I will miss her greatly. My condolences to all her family.

Valerie ortega

November 18, 2010

Sister Carol was an wonderful special person that will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Jimmy Stover

November 18, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Mark Guillen

November 18, 2010

Ruthie (Sister Carol) Thomas was an amazing and loving women. We will all miss her greatly. I knew her all my life. I remember her as a very loving and caring women, who encouraged me to be my best, every time I saw her at Our Lady of the Rosary. I still remember her seeming like a gentle giant while holding my hand on the first day of school, and introducing me to all the incredible books in the school library. I especially remember her celebrating along side us as we succeeded in school and life.

Even as a 40 year old man, she continued to share those fond memories at Rosary as we would pass in the grocery store, and around town. She always seemed to love hearing what I was doing with my life, and to enjoy speaking to my wife and little girls.

She will be greatly missed by me and my family.

Mark Guillen

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