Leola Jean Thomas, daughter of Raymond and Vivian (Patterson) Potts, was born November 28, 1931 at the family home near Waldron, Kansas.

Jean, as she was known to family and friends, moved with her family to a farm west of Anthony. They lived next to neighbors, Dan and Lola Thomas and their children, Tuddy, Jeanne, and Robert "Bob" Thomas. Jean and Bob Thomas began dating and on May 18, 1947, she and Bob were united in marriage in a triple wedding ceremony at the United Methodist Church along with Bob's sister, Tuddy and Harold Eslinger and cousin, Glen and Norma (Kane) Patterson.

Jean and Bob made their home on the family farm northwest of Anthony and were blessed with the birth of two sons, Robert Allen and John Ellis.

The family took many family vacations to Colorado where they enjoyed hunting and fishing. After Bob retired from farming, Jean and Bob began spending winters in south Texas. They bought a home there and made many friends, including Joyce and Dan Coley.

Jean was an avid reader and also enjoyed painting, giving many of her pictures to her family. She and Bob also enjoyed dancing and were very good dancers.

When their health began to fail, Bob and Jean moved into Country Living in Anthony. Bob passed away June 29, 2016. Jean was also preceded in death by her parents. She remained at Country Living until going into the Anthony Medical Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018 and it was here that Jean passed away Sunday, September 23, at the age of 86 years.

She will be deeply missed by her sons, Allen and Barbara Thomas and John and Mary Thomas, all of Anthony; her sister, Janet and Harold Ryan of Hutchinson, Kansas, and brother, Charles and Marilyn Potts also of Anthony; eight grandchildren: Mandy Duncan, Jared and Catherine Thomas, Adam and Katy Thomas, Barklie and Paul Porter, Heather and Tom Summers, Megan Wagner, Mike Elliott (deceased) Tim and Amy Elliott, and Kelly and Ryan Mahoney; twenty great grandchildren; two great-great granddaughters; her sisters-in-law: Tuddy Eslinger and Jeanne Eslinger of Harper; other relatives and many friends.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Graveside Service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony with Pastor Ron Eden officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Country Living or Anthony Medical Center and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E Main ~ Anthony, Kansas 67003 is in charge of the arrangements.