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Beth Ann Thomas Obituary
Beth Ann, and her sister, Nadine entertained thousands during their storied musical careers. Beth Ann was selected as one of 2 High School students from Indiana to march in the first McDonald's All - American band in 1972 at The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She and her sister played twin marimbas at Cedar Point in the IMAX theatre for 4 summers during the late 1970's. They were highlighted entertainment on Carnival Cruise lines and taught piano together at Baldwin Music Store and Shining Light Studios. Beth Ann was a professional judge for local pageants and music contests.Through their passion for music, Beth Ann and Nadine's students thrived. Frequently, ALL of their students received perfect or first place scores at state level contests.
Additionally, Beth Ann, played with The Warner Brother""s orchestra and traveled abroad with The Greenwood Community band. MOst recently, she taught at The Mooresville Arts Partnership.
Beth Ann completed her Bachelor of Art degree at Butler in 2005. She enjoyed teaching grade school music in several school systems before retiring to teach privately. Her passion for the arts extended to her love of handmade greeting cards and thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Survivors include cousins, Joyce Jeffries, Indianapolis, Cheryl Jeffries Ollman, Barbra Smith, (Mrs. Jeff) both of Greenwood and Martha Longfellow and Mary Ann Scharff of Tipton, as well as numerous friends and students that she also considered to be family.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Johnson County Memorial Hospital, Aspen Trace, Community South Hospital, Greenwood Health and Living, and close friends for the outpouring of love and care she received. She left us peaceful hearts and a twinkle in her eyes.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for the afternoon of Sunday, January 15th in Greenwood, IN., at the Devonshire Apartments clubhouse.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melody Simms
March 15, 2025
Mrs. Thomas was my elementary music teacher. Now becoming a music educator myself, I want those who loved her to know she was really important in shaping my journey and giving me the confidence from an early age to nurture my passion for music. Thank you Mrs. Thomas
Kim Antcliff Jackson
December 16, 2024
A sweet soul!
Kristopher Kyer Antekeier
December 12, 2023
I keep thinking about Beth Ann and her entire family I met in the 1970´s! They are all together now.... No doubt laughing as usual. She was always up for a good laugh. Thinking of Beth Ann at holiday time....
Sally Merrick Aikin
January 24, 2023
I met Beth Ann in college about 1974. We were both Music majors at Butler. She joined my honorary music sorority and as president, I got to do her induction ceremony. After graduating, I saw Beth Ann at alumni meetings. When she started teaching, (after working many years professionally as a musician) we met again when she helped the band my son was in and she gave percussion lessons to my son. Later on she started teaching in the same school system as I(Greenwood Schools). So I´ve know her over 40 years and will miss her.
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Kevin Tully
January 23, 2023
Beth Ann and I attended Butler together 1973-1977 and she was one of my closest friends. Beth Ann had an army of Butler friends and she always found the time to dote on all of us. She and her sister Nadine were so talented and so enjoyed life. Beth Ann will be sorely missed.
Kevin Tully
New Orleans
Jeff Miller
January 9, 2023
I first met Beth Ann in elementary school. She and my brother were in the same class then and throughout high school. Her ready smile and distinctive laugh are a joyful memory even today. When my wife and I married in 1979 we wanted some really special music for the wedding, so Beth and Nadine played the flute and harp in the prelude and their marimbas for the postlude. Beth laughed afterward because we had such a long reception line, and the dismissal was so lengthy that they played everything in their repertoire twice! I have a lot of other good memories: Beth was a special lady!
Erin Adamson Heiling
December 28, 2022
Beth Ann was a part of our family. I loved her and will miss her, as I do Nadine. My dad was Beth Ann´s 6th grade teacher, and I met her on their school field trip to Brown County. Mom was later Beth Ann´s high school art teacher. After their mom and dad had passed, Nadine and Beth Ann were regulars at our annual Thanksgiving celebrations - for those whose parents were no longer with us. Their love of good food and laughter made them a perfect fit. My mom and I knew the sisters through Coterie and other activities, and I got to hang out with "the cousins" at times, much to my delight, for Lotus Garden, Cracker Barrel and other fun times because fun had a way of following them everywhere they went. I loved their kindness, music and wit, which will stay in my heart forever.
Kristopher Kyer
December 25, 2022
Beth Ann and her sister Nadine will always be special in my memories. We worked at Cedar Point in 1976 in the LIVE SHOWS...and we instantly became friends. The joy and laughter they spread was contagious. I will never forget these two wonderful characters...
Katherine Hall
December 25, 2022
Beth Ann was not only a great musician and teacher - she was also a great friend. We were all blessed to have known her and she will be missed those of us whose lives she touched with grace, love, and wisdom.
My sincere condolences to her family.
Elizabeth Rock
December 25, 2022
Beth will surely be missed by our family. Her parents were best friends with my grandparents, the girls grew up with my mom and aunt, and both Beth and Nadine were like aunts that would visit and it was an instant party. Blessed to have the sisters play at my wedding, be a part of Memorial services and family gatherings, serve in organizations together and Beth even helped host my daughters graduation. She will be greatly missed, but we know there is one heck of a musical family reunion going on in heaven this week!
Theresa Dasen Lickman
December 24, 2022
It is with great sadness that my 2 Cedar Point partners have left this world. May you be playing marimba together in the great beyond.
Theresa Dasen Lickman
Courtney (Isaiah's mom) Robison
December 24, 2022
My son refused to have anyone else teach her. They had a lot of laughs and we excited he was learning bells and planning for solo and ensemble next year. She will be missed greatly.
Celia Fetcko
December 24, 2022
Beth Ann was my piano teacher of 3 years. She convinced me to play in a competition a while back. I first remember when she left. The last day I saw her was March 14th of this year. I remember calling her on Easter and she had said she was doing better, but it must´ve gotten worse. I was about 8 or 9 when I met her for the first time. I´m now 12 almost 13 (in January). Beth Ann was an awesome teacher, and I´ll miss her.
Dale Marmaduke
December 23, 2022
Beth Ann's music will be long remembered. Missed by many. Dale Marmaduke (class of 73 with Beth Ann)
Carol Clayton
December 22, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kim Antcliff Jackson
December 22, 2022
Her kindness and wit will be missed!
Connie Rosentreter
December 22, 2022
Will certainly miss her. She was a sweet gal.
Marion
December 22, 2022
Your music will forever be in our hearts. Love you dearly and miss you. You were very special.
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