Nancy Lu Thomas

Nancy Lu Thomas of Gilroy, CA passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great gramma, sister and friend. She was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 9, 1939. Family stories were told that the name “Nancy” was chosen by her mother as a tribute to their maternal ancestor, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who was Abraham Lincoln’s mother.  

Unfortunately, as a young girl Nancy battled with a debilitating case of polio. With unwavering will and determination, she eventually learned to walk again. She married her high school sweetheart, Frank Joseph Thomas, following their graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1957. During their lifetime together and marriage of 55 yrs, his career with United Airlines led them to move over 14 times. They also enjoyed the benefits of travel to many special places including Japan (visited the Emperor’s Palace with the Emperor’s niece), Fiji, and Hawaii just to name a few.

From Iowa to California, on to Hawaii, to Florida and back to California. Some of the family’s favorite places they resided were Redondo, Daytona Beach, Hawaii and a ranch in Castroville. But her most favorite place was here in Gilroy where she could be with her grandchildren every day. She earned the nickname “Video Queen”. She loved spending quality time with each of them. Also delighted in sharing all their accomplishments with friends and relatives.

She had many occupations from Legal secretary and Home Health scheduler to Activity Booth saleswoman in Kauai. A woman of many talents. She loved needlework and crafts. 

Despite her disability she never missed out on anything. From sporting events to dance recitals, family vacations and hosting holiday celebrations, she did it all.  She was a great cook. Thankful she taught and passed on those recipes to us.

Nancy is survived by her three children: Scot (Marina), David, and Amy (Brian Ashcraft). Grandchildren: Frank, Amanda (Aaron Barton), Robert (Audrey Villareal), Samuel Leaman, Alyssa (Kiefer McFarland), Joseph Thomas. Great Grandchildren: Presley, Jordan, Jody (Barton), Cali and Charlotte (McFarland), Ava, Ace, Ashton (Thomas), Julius Leaman. Sisters: Bobbi Thomas (Randy) and Lisa Cook (Kenneth), many adored nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, Frank Joseph Thomas, parents Donald Reed Hatcher (Margit) and Betty Jane Snyder (Harry), grandson Jesse Thomas, Uncles Robert Batchelor (Emma) and A. Harold Hatcher (Gerry), Aunt Louise Manzik, Cousins Robert Hatcher (Carol) and James Hatcher (Kathy), and her constant ride or die companion “RAIDER”.

The family will have a private celebration of life in her memory.