Martha Jo Thomas

Martha Jo "GaGa" Thomas, born May 26, 1944, in Lexington, Kentucky, to the late Charles Bruce and Billie Reed Ballenger II, passed away on March 2, 2026. Left to cherish her memory are her children Bruce Lewis Thomas and Clay Louann Thomas; her beloved grandchildren Logan Thomas Fount House and Sarah Clay House, who were the light of her life; and a host of friends, cousins, and extended family. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Norman Thomas, her brother Charles Bruce "Sonny" Ballenger III, and her darling dog Maggie. GaGa was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, who were like a second family to her and her own family. She retired after 29 years of loyalty to the University of Kentucky Hospital and continued her working career at Stephen Lawrence for over 20 years, making an even larger extended family for herself. GaGa was an avid shopper, allowing her to collect many unique items throughout the years; but, above all, she was a mother to all, accepting many as her adopted children and loving and caring for all around her. A visitation and service will be posted at a later date. To honor GaGa's vibrant personality, we ask family to wear purple. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tates Creek Christian Church, who the family would like to extend special thanks to for all their support during these times.