Valerie Merrill Thomas

January 2, 1936 - July 3, 2011

Valerie Merrill Thomas “In my day…” Valerie Thomas, 75, passed away at home July 3, surrounded by her loving family. Born January 2, 1936 in Preston, Idaho, she was the older of two sisters. She later moved to Carbon County and graduated from Carbon College High School. She later met and married William Boyd Thomas on May 27, 1954. Together they raised three wonderful children and Val was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandparent. She worked for Henry Holt Publishing, which allowed her to indulge her love of books. Val enjoyed reading science fiction, watching Judge Judy with her “clicker”, making excellent macaroni salad for family dinners, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She spent much of her time with her husband exploring Native American ruins throughout Moab, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Boulder Mountain. One of her greatest joys was learning about Utah history, and became quite an expert about the Anasazi Nation. Val was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Jimes. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bill, her sister Claudia, and her children, Denise (Norm), Del Roy (Amy), and John Scott (Kim). She is also survived by her grandchildren on whom she doted; Erik, Ryan, Jake, Trisha, Heather, and Jared, as well as her beloved six-year-old great-granddaughter Maya. The family is grateful to all those that assisted Valerie during her illness, in particular Vista Care Hospice. (Thank you so much Jess and Susan.) Thanks also to Premier Funeral Services. Val requested that no services be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vista Care Hospice.