Ina Jo Thomas, 74, of Lafayette, passed away January 14, 2021 at IU University Hospital in Indianapolis with her family by her side.

She was born October 7, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Joseph C. and Dorothy (Stout) Stein. She graduated from Bishop Ross High School in Cincinnati. Om February 24, 1968, she married her best friend and love of her life, William Bedford Thomas at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette and he survives.  Ina was a proud homemaker and loved caring for her husband and children.  She also enjoyed working retail at “Big Lots” and the “Tippecanoe Mall”.

She is an incredible inspiration and a remarkable woman of strength, faith, and family.

Everyone she encountered was inspired and touched by her inner-strength, love, and endless faith. It was a peak into a window of the world we were blessed to feel in her presence every day. Heaven gained a beautiful angel when God called her home to live everlasting life in his kingdom…

She was courageous, a warrior, a miracle survivor. Her will to survive was strong, but her body was tired and needed to rest. As she released her loving grasp that she had on her husband’s hand– The Lord our ultimate Father took her hand and welcomed her home.

Our dad, her children and grandchildren, all of her family and pets (who were like children in themselves to her)… were her entire world. Her family was her life and what she lived for. Her love for us was unconditional and beyond measure. She was our rock. It’s so hard and horribly painful to imagine never hearing her comforting voice or feeling her loving embrace again. As we search for answers and understanding dear Lord, help us to always remember that our mother believed the will of God should not be questioned.

Our mom was a friend to anyone she met and embraced the differences in all of us. She was also incredibly passionate about animals. Animals were her favorite companions, and always part of our family. At times it felt like we had a little zoo with the animals she would save. She was truly an amazing gift to us and this world. We know that we will continue to carry her love and spirit with us for the rest of our lives- and share it with others.

Our mom passed away peacefully in the arms of her beloved husband of 53 years and her youngest daughter, who was her guardian angel on earth. She lived her life to the fullest and created a world of love and beautiful memories to be forever cherished by all of us. Throughout her twelve-year battle with cancer, she never complained or asked why me- instead she chose to live and breathe life into every single moment.

We love you so much mom. You are truly incredible, our angel here on earth, now in Heaven. Thank you for all you have been for us. For believing in us, even if we failed… and encouraging us to get back up every time. For always encouraging us to follow our hearts, and to be our own unique selves. And for your love and support for us to live our best lives.

“Mom”, “Mommy”, “Mama”- you are our most beloved treasure that God has blessed us with. We love you so much and know we will see you and once again rejoice together in the presence of our God in Heaven.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her children, Joseph Thomas of Lafayette, Iana (Brian) Hartley of Brooksville, FL, Daria (Tré) Varnado of Noblesville, and Anthony Thomas of Lafayette; 7 grandchildren, Tyler Toman of Monticello, Kian Toman of Lafayette and Nolan Toman of West Lafayette, McKenna, Nhadia, Amaya Grace, and Solomon Varnado of Noblesville; 1 Great-Granddaughter, Kimberlee Jo Toman; 2 sisters, Shirley Stein of Cincinnati, OH and Margaret “Cricket” Stein of Mt. Vernon, KY; and her toy poodle, “Sugar Bear.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Stein and Dorothy (Stout) Margison; Infant daughter, Katherine Jean Thomas; 2 sisters, Charlene McLaughlin of Somerset, KY; and Dottie Goff of Hamilton, OH.

Memorial contributions in Ina’s name may be given to the Cancer Treatment Centers of American (CTCA) at Gateway for Cancer Research, 500 East Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 or online at www.cancercenter.com or to Almost Home Humane Society, 1705 S. 2^nd Street, Lafayette, IN 47905.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Friday. January 22, 2021 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Entombment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 N., West Lafayette, IN.