Barbara, who wanted to celebrate her 90th birthday, which was last Wednesday, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022. She was born in Hemlock, MI to the late Francis (Joe) & Pearl (Mahan) Emery on August 17, 1932. Barbara was married to the late Robert Thomas on September 11, 1954, in Saginaw MI. Barbara was a licensed beautician in her early years even owning her own beauty shop in Saginaw. After their children came along, she was a stay-at-home mother. As her children grew, she thought she would go back into the workforce. She worked in various restaurants as the dessert queen. All diners enjoyed her tasty creations. She even made wedding and birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren.
Moving to Rhodes 13 years ago to be closer to her daughter Terri, Barbara and Robert, who passed away in 2012, enjoyed their grandchildren and the country living. When the weather got warm enough for her to be outside, you could catch Barbara outside with the bantam chickens gathered around her. Of course, that was because she was feeding them snacks, that she kept in her “trunk” of her walker for her baby chickens and grandchildren. She would crumble the snacks up because they’re little. She also loved traveling with her daughter, Debra, to see her son, Gary and daughter in-law in Arizona and the trips to Florida to see grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by her children Terri (Larry) Wilson, Debra (Dennis Beach) Thomas, Gary (Laura) Thomas and Shelly Thomas, sister/brother-in-law Vinnie and Ronald Lich, 12 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Barb was predeceased by her son Kevin in January, siblings, Rolland, Eileen and LaVerne Emery.
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Hope Lutheran Church, 4762 Church Rd. Rhodes, MI with Pastor Roger Bauer presiding. The family would like to thank Health Source and A & D Hospice.
In lieu of flowers those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Barbara’s home parish where she loved attending, Hope Lutheran Church.
