Ingrid Nordhild Strangulies Thomas

1941 - 2014

Ingrid Nordhild Strangulies Thomas, 73, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014. Memorial service: 1 p.m. Friday, April 11, at Park Row Church of Christ, 915 W. Park Row, Arlington. Ingrid was born Feb. 25, 1941, in Koenigsberg, East Prussia, Germany. Today the city belongs to Russia and is called Kaliningrad. Her father was missing on the Russian Front when her mother left their home in Nidden with Ingrid, age 3, and her sister Ilona, age 2, with all their belongings they could carry in a baby carriage, and headed west ahead of the Russian army. They were in transit to different places for nine years before they found a place they could call home in Oetigheim, West Germany. While visiting her sister, Ilona, in Karlsruhe, she met Don Thomas and after six months, they were married. Ingrid had three children, Bridget, who died in 1982, Martin and Kirk. She lost her homeland but found a new one that accepted her and loved her. Ingrid graduated from TCJC dental hygiene school with honors, and practiced for several years. She was a member of Park Row Church of Christ and Arlington Fiber Guild. She was known for her love of flowers and crafting, spinning, knitting and weaving. She loved to travel and just be outdoors with nature. She lost her yearlong battle with cancer and will be missed by all. Survivors: Her husband, Don; sons, Martin Thomas and Kirk Thomas and their wives; and five grandchildren.