Erma L. Thomas

Erma Louise (Miller) Thomas entered her heavenly home on August 30th, 2024 at the age of 87 years. Erma had a recognizable faith in Jesus Christ and a servant’s heart in all she did! 

Erma married Kenneth A. Thomas on August 26, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chesaning, Michigan and recently celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. Erma graduated in 1955 from Chesaning High School and in 1957 from Baker Business College in Flint, Michigan. Erma retired in 1996 after enjoying a career of serving in the United States Court System. She always carried the strength of her farm girl heritage along with the refined grace of a woman who enjoyed serving others. Many have been blessed by Erma’s acts of sending cards and letters, editing assignments, typing skills, shorthand, gifting framed quilt pieces, making scones and muffins, and her ability to make everyone feel loved!

After Ken and Erma moved to Bay City, she was confirmed in 1967 at Zion Lutheran Church where she became an active member leading Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Camp Fire Girls, and made many lifelong friends. Her adventurous life included many camping trips across the United States and Canada with her husband and their three little girls. Erma and Ken continued travels after retirement including trips to Canada, Finland, Iceland, and Europe.

Erma treasured family! Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Kenneth A. Thomas and three daughters and spouses: Valerie (Jeff) Dome, Janine (Clifford) Reese, and Marcia Thomas, grandchildren: Kenlee (AnnMarie) Dome, Alissa Gauthier, Brady Gauthier, Caleb (Elaina) Reese, Sophie (Kyle) Piurkowski, and Asher Reese, great grandchild Leo Piurkowski, dearest sister Eleanor (Robert) Parrott, brother-in-law Carl (Wendy) Thomas, sister-in-law Gerrie Miller and several wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all her “favorite.”

In addition to her parents Rose and Vern Miller, Erma was preceded in death by her brothers James Miller, Roy Miller, Leonard Miller; and several in-laws. 

Erma’s family is so thankful for the comfort she received from family and friends and her wonderful “Dream Team” of caregivers: Virginia, Jackie, Terry, Trisha, Mary, Carrie, Paige, Samantha, Shannon, Maureen, Judy and Josie.

Memorials in Erma’s name can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran School.

Memorial service for Erma will be taking place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 501 W. Ivy Street, Bay City. Officiating will be Pastor Phillip Baerwolf. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Erma’s service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/ZionBayCity/ or https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurch-baycity8310/streams