Judith (Judi) May Thomas, 80, peacefully passed away Jan. 7, 2023, at her home in Silverton, Oregon, with her family by her side. She was born Nov. 25, 1942 in Glendale, California to Melvin (Rev) and Mary (Bibbo) Standley. Judi had two older sisters, twins; Gloria and Patricia.
Following graduation from Bell High School in 1960, Judi attended Cal State College in Long Beach. After meeting the love of her life, Maurie Thomas, they were married in 1961 and lived in Bell in an apartment before purchasing their first home in Downey, California. Two years later, they moved to their second home in Downey wherein they resided for 55 years. In 2019, they relocated to Silverton, Oregon to be near their children and grandchildren all of whom helped celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary in September of 2022.
Judi was an avid tennis player and member of the Downey Tennis Club playing in tournaments. Later on, she helped form another Ladies Tennis Group wherein they played weekly. Her passion though was games; always ready for the monthly neighborhood bunco group, monthly Mahjong with her friends, and her favorite card game – a monthly Euchre Card Club comprised of seven couples whom met together for 35 years with lots of laughs.
Judi had a passion for serving the community; becoming president of the Downey PTA, joining the YMCA Indian Maidens with her daughter, annually fundraising for the Y, and a member of the Downey Sertoma and Silverton Kiwanis service clubs. She was active in church, being a member of Downey First Christian for 50 years before becoming a member of Silverton Assembly of God.
Before retiring, Judi wore many hats in her career having worked for BofA, Lopez Insurance, a Hollywood accounting firm, Central Christian Church, and Memorial Christian Church. In retirement, she copiloted sports cars with her husband; becoming a member of both the Ferrari Club of America and the Mustang Car Club.
One of her favorite clubs was the monthly L & M (lunch & movie) ladies group; however movies soon were replaced by interesting places each month, even attending a taping of the Wayne Brady TV show. When Wayne inquired from the stage what L & M stood for the ladies replied “Lunch & Movie,” but then jokingly shouted “LOOKING FOR MEN!” Wayne laughed so hard he sent them to his favorite restaurant and bought them lunch.
Traveling and cruising were among her many favorite pastimes. She traveled through Europe and has cruised the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and Panama Canal. Judi had the ability to meet people of other languages and communicate with them. She has been in 48 US states and always loved visiting cousins in Missouri, Georgia, and Florida.
Judi is survived by her husband, Maurie; her cat, Ms. Siamey; and her children, Randal (Kris) Thomas and Rennell (Mark) Johnston. Also surviving Judi are seven grandchildren: Nick Johnston, Josh (Shani) Thomas, Regan (Colin) Campbell, Riley Davis, Jake Thomas, Reese Johnston, Shane Johnston, and three great-grandchildren: Lillian Johnston, Oliver Davis, and Charlie Thomas. She is also survived by her two sisters, Gloria Cline and Patricia Mitbo.
A Celebration of Life was held on Jan. 21 at the Silverton Assembly of God Church. A California service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Downey First Christian Church at 10909 New St., Downey, California, 90241.
Entombment: Willamette National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice. The family would like to thank Willamette Vital Heath HOSPICE Service for care given to Judi. Assisting the family is Unger Funeral Chapel of Silverton, Oregon.
