Cleo Helen Thomas

Cleo Helen Thomas, 95, of Lancaster, formerly of Chauncey, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2021, at the Pickering House in Lancaster.  She was born May 13, 1926, in Millfield, Ohio, daughter of the late Herbert and Rosa Clancy Crabtree.  Cleo was the widow of the late Harold W. Thomas.

Cleo was head cook at Ohio University for many years.  She was a member of The Plains VFW 7174 Auxiliary and the Athens American Legion.  She was also a member of the Chauncey Church of God.

Cleo is survived by her sons, Harold R. “Butch” (Doreen Winters) Thomas of Lancaster and Michael R. (Tammy) Thomas of Sugar Grove; son-in-law, Paul Smathers of Nelsonville; 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Garrells of Modesto, CA; and sister-in-law, Lois Crabtree of Florida.

In addition to her parents and husband, Cleo was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Lynn Smathers; grandson, Brian Thomas; sisters, Faye Frost and Mae Garrells; and brother, Roland Crabtree.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville, with Rev. Gary Alton officiating.  Interment will be in Hilltop Cemetery, Millfield.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The family suggests donations be made in memory of Cleo to the Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.cardaras.com