Emma Lorene Thomas, 84, of Springfield passed away on September 3, 2018. She was born in Altamont, KS to Gladys (Payne) and Raymond Hartwell. Lorene was raised on a farm with her five sisters, two of whom are living, Georgia and Martha.
In 1957 she married Ben Thomas, a union that lasted sixty happy years at the time of her passing. The most important thing in life to Lorene was her family. She is survived by her three children, Charles, Karen and Larry, and by her four granddaughters, Brittany, Erica, Rachel and Natalie.
Lorene and Ben raised their children in Joplin, MO. Later they moved to Springfield, where she was employed as Corporate Secretary at Guaranty Bank for thirty years until she retired at age 80.
Lorene was known for her kindness and positive attitude. She made everyone feel loved. She expressed her love through cooking heartfelt meals, particularly for the holidays. Annual gatherings of sisters and extended family were especially joyous. She also enjoyed her flower gardens and traveling, including North America and throughout Western and Eastern Europe.
Services will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home-East. Visitation will take place on Friday, September 14 from 6:00 to 8:00pm, and Memorial Service on Saturday, September 15 at 3:00pm.
Condolences and memories may be shared on the Greenlawn website.
Memorial donations may be made to Integrity Home Care & Hospice.