Ralph Jeffery “Jeff” Thomas passed from his earthly life in the early morning hours of March 30, 2015. Dad was born on January 7, 1926 in New Castle, Indiana to William Ralph “Bill” and Lenore “Lennie” Thomas.
Dad spent his youth in various Northwest cities as his parents moved to different construction jobs. He attended high schools in Helena, Billings, Great Falls, and Spokane. He joined the Army and graduated from Federal Way High School (Washington) in his WWII military uniform in 1944. He saw service in Germany and served in the occupation of Japan following the end of the war.
Dad was a plumber/pipefitter, Master Boilerman, and temperature control technician by trade. He worked various construction jobs, worked for Honeywell, and retired from the Helena School District’s Maintenance Shop in 1989.
Dad married Katherine “Kit” Nott on June 13, 1959 in Billings and together with our Mom, raised six kids while building the Helena Valley house he lived in for 45 years. Dad enjoyed square dancing, Jeeps, gardening, dogs, and tinkering.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Jill, and his good friend Phyllis Poirer. He is survived by his daughters Penny (Jim) Evans of Spokane, Nickie (Eric) Eck of Helena, Janice (Kirk) Taylor of Montana City, and sons Jeff (Lila) and James (Shannon) of Helena. He was “Grandpa Tools” to his grandchildren Tyler Zachau, Evan Eck, Drew and Carson Zindell, Ivy and Burke Taylor, and James and Carson Thomas, his great grandchildren Kaylie and Colin Zachau, and his faithful three-legged dog, Buddy.
Dad never stopped learning and never stopped teaching. There was nothing that he looked at that he knew couldn’t be made better, but his greatest joy was giving the love of learning to his children.
Our family would like to thank the staff of St Peter’s Hospital and Touchmark Senior Living for making our Dad’s days as comfortable as possible.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 3 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the reception. Memorials in Ralph’s name may be sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday April 3, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday April 3, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
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Karen Sawyer says
Dear Nickie,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I don’t think I ever met him but he sounds like he was a wonderful person. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort. My condolences to Eric and Evan, as well.
Love,
Karen Sawyer
Carol Kussman says
Jim, Shannon, Jeff and family,
I was sorry to hear that “Grandpa Tools” has died. He was a very quiet and kind man. You have great memories! Thinking of you Carol Kussman
Freddi Haab-Fiedler says
Nickie and Family:
I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Freddi