(From Simpson Funeral Home)Valerie Christine "Chris" Thomas, also affectionately known as "Sugie", embarked on her next journey on May 11, 2024 from Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and spirit. Born in Miami, OK, on July 28, 1960, Chris was a force of nature, a woman whose fearlessness and strong will were as legendary as her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, even a fence post, if it would talk back.
Chris made her home in several places, including Quapaw, OK, Galena, KS, and Baxter Springs, KS, before settling in Carl Junction, MO. She spent 18 cherished years in the county, where she warmed the hearts of its residents with her unwavering kindness and radiating love.
She was a loving wife, marrying her soulmate, John, on June 2, 2007, and an exceptional mother- an accomplishment she held dear. Chris was a spirited member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club of Miami, OK, and had a passion for riding her motorcycle. A quote that aptly encapsulates Chris's zest for life is, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."
Chris's resilience was evident in her career at the Bagcraft factory, from which she retired in 2022. Her retirement years were characterized by charity runs, quality time with her family, her pitbull Athena, and shopping sprees with her granddaughter - activities that brought her immense joy. She had a unique knack for helping people, whether they asked for it or not, embodying the quote, "We rise by lifting others."
Chris was preceded in death by her parents Patrick Ray and Barbara (Scott) Ray, and her two sons John Thomas Jr. and Christopher Thomas.
Chris's resilience was evident in her career at the Bagcraft factory, from which she retired in 2022. Her retirement years were characterized by charity runs, quality time with her family, her pitbull Athena, and shopping sprees with her granddaughter - activities that brought her immense joy. She had a unique knack for helping people, whether they asked for it or not, embodying the quote, "We rise by lifting others."
Chris was preceded in death by her parents Patrick Ray and Barbara (Scott) Ray, and her two sons John Thomas Jr. and Christopher Thomas.
Chris is survived by her husband John Thomas, Sr.; sons Danny Joe Simpson Jr. (Dawn) and Shane Michael Simpson (Ashley); sisters Patricia "Trish" Talarico (Ray), Kristina Ann Miller; brother Paul Michael Geringer; grandchildren Caleb Thomas, Kevin Neely, Adam Thomas, Jordan Simpson; and a nephew Blaine Hassler.
Chris was a beacon of light and love to her family, a pillar of strength to her friends, and a spirited soul to her community. Her legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those she touched.
A Visitation will be held at Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction on Thursday May 16, 2024, from 4:30-6:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held 2pm on Friday May 17, 2024, at the same venue.
Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. We invite you to share your memories of Chris and upload photos to her memorial page. Celebrate her loving, resilient, and spirited life and remember the beautiful soul that she was.
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