Helen Larue Thomas

Helen “LaRue” Thomas, 95, Ft. Myers, FL, formerly of Wayne, NJ and Sebring, FL, passed away on November 21, 2020 at Hope Hospice House.

LaRue was born March 21, 1925 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to Edward and Emma (Ferguson) Hunter. LaRue married the love of her life, Evan Robert Thomas, on August 11, 1942. They celebrated 53 years together. Their union welcomed three wonderful daughters, Barbara, Betty and Shirley.

LaRue held many positions in her life. She worked for My Baby Magazine, General Motors Acceptance Corp., was Owner/Operator of Thomas’ Bakery in Avon Park, and worked for Dr. Gary Montsdeoca in Sebring.  She was very active in Eastern Star as a Matron and state representative to the state of Washington. LaRue, as a Baptist, was devoted to the Lord and demonstrated that in everything she did. She and Evan help to build the Baptist Church in Boca Raton FL. LaRue loved her family; she loved spending time with family and friends who lived close as much as she did with those who lived far away.

LaRue is survived by daughters:  Barbara (Doug) Cook, Pompton Plains, NJ and Shirley Demeri, Ft. Myers, FL; grandsons:  David Cook (Lauren), Reading, MA; Robert (Melissa) Cook, Pompton Plains, NJ; and Eric (Kerri) Demeri, Cookeville, TN; great-grandchildren:  Savannah, Abram, Rhea, Jack, Kacy, and Paisley. She is also survived by Kristin Demeri, widow of grandson, Tom Demeri.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Emma Hunter; her husband, Evan Thomas; daughter, Betty J. Thomas; sisters: Evelyn Hansen, and Beverly “Jean” Gabb; infant siblings Billy and Doris Hunter and grandson, Thomas Demeri.

A celebration of life will not be held at this time. She will be buried next to her husband in Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in LaRue’s name to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.  Tele (239-590-0276)

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com