Karen Thomas

Karen Thomas, 54, of Ottawa passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 26, 2008 at St. Columba Church with the Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Friday, July 25, 2008 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 and Catholic Daughters of the Americas in attendance. Karen was born December 7, 1953 in Chicago to William and Dorothy (Anderson) Decker. She married Phil Thomas November 21, 1986. She was a customer service representative for Southwest Airlines. Karen earned her Masters Degree in Special Education from St. Xavier University in Chicago, receiving her diploma July 10, 2008. She was a member of St. Columba Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Red Hatters. Mrs. Thomas is survived by her husband, Phil; one son, Andrew Thomas of Ottawa; one step-daughter, Candice Thomas of Baltimore; two sisters, Candice Gunn and Allison Miller both of Chicago; and one brother, William (Gina) Miller of Chicago. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Sean Decker. Pallbearers will be Jim Thomas, William Miller, Ken Carruthers, Tony Rainey, Kevin Polancic and William Claytor. You can view Karen's Timeless Tribute video at: http://ottawafh.yourtribute.com