Steven Allen Thomas

Steven Allen Thomas, of Republic, WA, peacefully passed away the evening of December 15, 2013 of natural causes.

He was born September 7, 1944 in Deer Lodge, Montana to Joseph Stanley and Shirley Mae Thomas.  He graduated from Powell County High School and went on to receive training as a medical technologist.  He quickly moved into his career in Hospital Administration. 


In 1965, Steve married the mother of his children, Ronda Jane Tolley, and they were blessed with five children together.

While working for Brim & Associates, a hospital management firm, he was transferred to Ferry County Memorial Hospital in 1977.  While at the Republic Hospital, he fell in love with Ferry County and met his wife of 35 years, Georgia.  Hospital employment ultimately took them to eastern Colorado where he was the administrator at the Wray Hospital, then back to Republic for a short time, returning to Yuma, Colorado in 1990. 

Steve often remarked that, although the job in Republic was the hardest ever, it was also the most rewarding.  He was pleased to have been at the helm when the voters of Ferry County placed the hospital on its county rolls.  With the federal government’s increasing involvement in medical care, Steve felt there was no longer any fun in hospital work and that it was next to impossible for “one person to make a difference”.





In 1996 he and Georgia purchased JABS Liquor in Yuma.  Steve enjoyed working with the public and became friends with many of his customers.


Steve retired in 2008 after selling the liquor store, and he and Georgia were able to fulfill their dream of moving back to Ferry County.  Steve was a man of few words, but you knew that he loved and treasured the company of his family and children.  He enjoyed cooking, music, the outdoors, camping and, most especially fishing.  Although his health prevented him from fishing as much as he wished, he was able to fish a few times with his “best fishing partner ever”, Cal Chrisman.  He was pleased to be back in God’s country.

He also loved Bulldogs.  After not having a pet for a number of years, he was thrilled to get Jud, his faithful companion of 6 years.  When he was younger, he enjoyed painting pictures, always of the outdoors.  He was an active participant in the Elks Club and a member of the Republic Eagles.


One of his fondest memories was of his 50th birthday, with all his children and grandchildren in attendance, camping at the lake.  He always enjoyed the look of shock on faces as he proudly proclaimed he had 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  They were the apple of his eye.


Steve was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Stanley Thomas.  He is survived by his caring and loving wife, Georgia of Republic; his mother, Shirley of Deer Lodge, MT; his brothers Pete and Leonard of Deer Lodge, MT; brother Larry of Joshua Tree, CA; and sister Teresa Christensen of Baker, MT.  He is also survived by his five children: Taryn Horne of Maple Valley, WA; Nancy Thomas of Layton, UT; Stefanie Allred of Effingham, IL; Curtis Thomas of Melbourne, FL and Lynnae Day of Rigby, ID; as well as their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his cherished in-laws, Art and Nancy Morris of Republic, WA, extended family and in-laws.

A graveside Memorial will be held on a future date.  At Steve’s request, memorials may be made to the Merry-Go-Round Friends, P.O. Box 607, Republic, WA.  The restored, antique carousel was close to Steve’s heart.

A celebration of Steve’s life is featured on the following website: www.smartcremation.com and will be archived for generations to see.  You are encouraged to leave your memories and photos on this site to be viewed by the family and friends.  Arrangements by Smart Cremation, Tacoma, WA