Ruth Rowland Thomas, 87, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away gently on January 30, 2009. She was the youngest daughter of the late Zeb and Dora Rowland, of Fayette, Alabama. She was pre-deceased by her husband and soul mate of 31 years, Roy Thomas. Her family includes her daughter, Lizanne Thomas and son-in-law, David Black; and grandsons, Roger and Riley Black, all of Atlanta. She is also survived by her beloved sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Woodfin Grove; nieces, Anne Mitchell, Martha Branyon, Marilyn Burleson, Susie Williams, D. Anne Norris, Pat Langston and Peg Schoettlin, and nephew, John Rowland, as well as over 30 grand nieces and nephews. Additional family members include "other daughters" Cheri Thomas, Sandy Black and Karen Smith; and her god-grandchildren Evan and Gemma; her fellow mother-in-law Mary Lou Black; her "first grandchild", Jason Racioppi; and especially his parents, Carl and Peggy; and her newest loved ones, Gloria Rankine and family, including Charmaine, Julia and Kadian, who blessed her late in life with their tender care. Before her move to Atlanta in 1991, Ruth spent over 20 happy years in Ocala, Florida, enjoying her career as chief financial officer of Marion County Senior Services, playing golf and cards with Roy and friends, and serving her community and church, First United Methodist of Ocala. In Atlanta, she made more new friends, especially the Ya-Ya Sisters, and was grandmother-in-residence to an entire neighborhood of children, many of whom are now tall and deep-voiced, but who still openly express their love for their "Grandma Ruth." A memorial service will be held Monday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. at A. S. Turner & Sons, Decatur, Georgia with visitation beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta, Hospice Atlanta, or your favorite charity.
