Nelda Patrica Thomas

Pendleton...Nelda Patrica Thomas , 75, resident of Pendleton and longtime resident of Middletown, passed away in Pendleton after a heroic battle with cancer. She was born in Fortville, April 14, 1932, the daughter of Clarence and Grace Mae Harless Pettigre.She attended Anderson College with her daughter Jo Carol and graduated in the spring of 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education.She began teaching at Shenandoah Elementary and attended Ball State University receiving her Masters in Education.She retired from teaching in 1994 after 19 years teaching grades 1 through 5.She was a member of the Middletown Church of the Nazarene, the Junior Red Cross, honorary social studies society and Educational Honors Society.She is survived by two daughters: Jo Carol McGinnis (Stephen) of Livonia, MI, Rixalyn Coleman (Michael) of Middletown, and 3 sons: Timothy L Thomas (Karen) of Pendleton, Jack Thomas (Angel) Middletown, and Jon Thomas of Elletsville, IN, 11 grandchildren: Michael Thomas (Keri), Christopher McGinnis, Amanda McGinnis, Brooke Lohrey (Dillon), Brandon Thomas, Shaley Thomas, Ashlynn Thomas, Grace Thomas, Schadd Thomas, Emily Coleman, Kiley Coleman, four great grandchildren: Oriana Thomas, Ryder Thomas, Mackenzee Lohrey and Kaidin Thomas, two step great grandchildren: Hailey Lohrey and Hunter Lohrey, sisters: Geneva Ward (Carl), Elletsville, IN and Marilyn Wright of Florida, Flo Covington (Wallace) of Frankton, Lora Goff (Rollie) of Sheridan and brothers: Arnold Pettigrew (Arelene), Boyd Pettigrew (Yvonne) of Elletsville and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Gleala Poling, Phylis Wright, Vivian Henthorne, Euncie Pettigrew and brothers: Nile Pettigrew and Grover Pettigrew.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. David Whitteberry officiating.Graveside services will be held at Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville at 1:00 PM on Thursday.Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-8 PM.Memorials may be made to the Shenandoah Elementary Library, Waters Edge Youth Ministry or Imagine Children's Ministries.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com