Gladys M. (Flanders) Thomas Essex Jct. Gladys Marion (Flanders) Thomas, 86, passed away on Friday December 24, 2010 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. She was born in Fletcher, VT on November 9, 1924 daughter of the late Emerson and Clara (Whitney) Flanders. Gladys was a lover of the Lord Jehovah God and His Son, Christ Jesus, her husband and children and as perfect a mother as any children could ask for. She worked side by side with her pre-deceased husband, Roger Thomas to build a farm in Essex from almost nothing but hand tools to begin with. In addition, she worked many other hours as wife and mother, (no small job) and did it well. Her children are profoundly grateful for the love she poured into us all and for the Christian upbringing we were given. She loved many deeply and was deeply loved by many in return. Where she found the time we do not know, Gladys was a devoted and active member of The Jericho United Methodist Church and touched more lives, more deeply, than she ever knew. She is survived by: Her son Dale Thomas and wife Rita of Milton; Two daughters: Sherry Shadroy and husband Ron of Essex; Failya “Fay” Terrell and husband Silas of Burlington, NC; Her sister Rachel Richard of Barre; Five grandchildren: Jean St. Laurent and husband Michael of Stafford, NH; Alan Thomas and wife Patty of Hinesburg; Dawn Borne of Barre; Felicia Fox of Montpelier; Kamie Morrison of Essex; Six great grandchildren: Derryck Thomas and wife Aja; Joshua Thomas; Amanda Finnegan and husband Jake; Matthew St. Laurent; Marrisa St. Laurent; Ivey Rose Morrison; Two great great grandchildren: Kate Amanda Thomas; Scarlett Denise Thomas; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was also predeceased by her husband Roger Thomas, three brothers: Francis, Norris and Joshua Flanders, five sisters: Vera Flanders; Eva Deavitt; Doris Stetson; Hazel Burnor and Mildred Flanders and her beloved cat, “Buddy.” Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday December 28, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday December 29, 2010 at Jericho United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Kirk Thompson officiating and shared memories are encouraged at the service. Burial will follow in the family lot in the Binghamville Cemetery. Refreshment will be served by the gracious ladies of the JUMC, back at the service site in Jericho, following interment. Mother accepts floral contributions, but seemed to prefer memorial contributions these can be made in her memory to JUMC– New Building Fund, P.O. Box 213, Jericho, VT 05465. Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.