Jo Ann Thomas

Jo Ann Thomas, age 94, of Ballwin, Missouri, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023. She was born in Kirkwood, Missouri on December 24, 1928 to George and Ruth Van Sickle, Sr. (nee Cross).

Jo Ann is survived by her beloved husband and high-school sweetheart of 72 years, Richard Thomas, who was a longtime friend of Bill W., who spent 44 years helping other people. She is also survived by her sons, Richard Thomas, II, Mark (Gina) Thomas, and Barry Thomas; daughters, Tracy McGrath and Carole Thomas-Errante; granddaughters, Mandy (Justin) Stevens, Chelsea (Yianni) Rinios, and Tara Thomas; grandsons, Dr. Blake McGrath, Matt Thomas, and Michael Lipka, Jr.; great-granddaughters, Skyler Hill and Emery Stevens; great-grandson, Emmanuel Rinios; and brother, Stewart Van Sickle. Also survived by loving nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Wade Van Sickle, Sr. and Ruth Van Sickle; son, Tod Thomas; sisters, Betty Holzmeier, Ruthie Mae Sullins, Carol Lange, and Barbara Calvin; and brother, George Van Sickle, Jr.


Jo Ann worked with her father who was a sound engineer for RCA, and she loved to recount his story that he had created the first record. He installed systems in Kiel Auditorium, Archdiocese of St. Louis, and the Fox Theatre. Jo Ann also worked in the ER in Admitting at Barnes Hospital and volunteered as a Candy Striper. She also enjoyed volunteering her time with the St. Louis Airport and the Butterfly House for many years. She had a great talent for drawing and being an artist. Jo Ann loved gardening and crafts. She was a strong strength of love, nurturing, caring, giving, generous, loving to all her family, friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Periwinkle blue was her favorite color, she had beautiful blue-grey eyes. She had a beautiful heart to give to all that she loved. Jo Ann is lovingly remembered as a sweet and caring mother, who was dedicated to her family. She loved to cook, and spent many hours in her kitchen creating delicious meals and treats, and was known for making the best chocolate sheet cake. Jo Ann was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions in Jo Ann's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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