Letha Mae Thomas

Letha Mae Thomas

March 18, 1919—January 13, 2020

On Tuesday, March 18, 1919, Letha Mae Kriegl was born to John Paul Kriegl and Edna Ethel Hutchinson in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.  Letha joined older sister Kathryn making the Kriegl family complete.

Early in Letha’s life, the family relocated to the Chicago area. In 1931, encouraged by her Sunday School teacher about her need of Christ and challenged by the testimony of a visiting missionary, Letha responded to the invitation to accept Christ as her personal Savior.  Letha continued to grow in her faith throughout her youth.

When Letha was 16, she caught the eye of a young man who attended the same church.  So began a 5 year dating relationship with George Thomas culminating in marriage on October 5, 1940.  When asked why they waited 5 years, she wrote, “We had to finish school and become established financially.”

George had earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and was working for Phoenix Metal Casting Company; however, he soon interviewed for a position with Wood Conversion in Cloquet, MN and was hired for research and development.  George and Letha became active in church ministry in Cloquet and also in Minneapolis when they were later transferred there.

Besides being a supportive wife and homemaker, Letha soon added motherhood to the job title as Spencer and Gail came along.  Letha was known for her organization and hospitality as she raised her family.

In the late 60s, George joined Christian Service Fellowship as a consultant.  During this time he was asked to make an in-depth study of the administrative structure of SIM.  From this point of contact, George and Letha joined SIM in 1972.  The first assignment was to do a study of the use of mass media in communicating the Gospel in the 10 countries of Africa in which SIM served at that time.  George did the travel, and Letha typed the field notes and the Report of Findings.  Later that year, George and Letha moved to Liberia where he would serve as the field director for the next eight years, and Letha would serve as his secretary.  She also had an active ministry in the area of hospitality, and was involved with the Christian Women’s Club in Liberia.

In 1980, George and Letha relocated to the states where they served with SIM International up until retirement at the end of 1984.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to the SIM Retirement Village in Sebring, FL where they became active members of the 1 ^st Baptist Church.

After 70 years of marriage, George went to his heavenly home on September 2, 2011 and on Monday, January 13, 2020, Letha joined him in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Memorial gifts may be made to SIM USA for use in ministry in Liberia.