LaVona Thomas

LaVona (LeVault) Thomas, 89, of Stevensville passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2024. She was born in Sesser, Ill., on Nov. 22, 1934, to James Lloyd LeVault and Geraldine (Brown) LeVault.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sidney W. Thomas, young son, Scot W. Thomas, sister, LaDona Harris and Joseph Boyle, her partner for more than 18 years.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law: Laura and Dennis Zmyslo; grandchildren: Thomas (Carole) Zmyslo and Stephanie (Matt) Subel and five great-grandchildren. She was an amazing mom and a fun grandma/great-grandma. She was proud to share her birthday with her first great-grandson, Zayden Zmyslo. Greats Kinzy and Tazlyn Zmyslo and Theo and Max Subel also loved being spoiled by Grandma T. She is also survived by brother, Wayne LeVault, Joe's daughter, Nancy Boyle and many extended family members.

LaVona and Sid lived in Granger, Ind., until they retired to enjoy lake life in Decatur. Years later, she met Joe on a winter trip to Florida and they then became snowbirds between Tarpon Springs and Decatur. After Joe's death, she moved to Stevensville to be close to family. She was able to enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets and many friends at her Surfside home.

The family will celebrate her life at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to The RYR-1 Foundation, an organization that exists solely to advocate for and serve the needs of patients with RYR-1-related diseases. Donations can be made directly at ryr1.org/donations/donate or mailed to The RYR-1 Foundation, P.O. Box 13312, Pittsburgh, PA 15243, made payable to "The RYR-1 Foundation."