Gigi Thomas

Salina, Utah – Gigi Gretchen Thomas, age 84, passed away early Monday morning, August 5, 2024, at her home in Salina after a brief illness. It was one the few battles she was unable to win.

Gigi was born, Gretchen Jean Greene, August 17, 1939, in Plattsburgh, New York, a daughter of Gordon and Gertrude Jean Finnegan Greene. As a child, she loved to read, swing and swim in Lake Champlain where she spent every summer. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Keeseville, New York, Class of 1954.

She married Billie Richard Thomas Sr. September 27, 1958, in Keeseville, New York, and as a military wife, she lived all over the world. While living in Bitburg, Germany, her son, Billie R. Thomas, Jr. was born. From there, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where her daughter, Melinda Leigh-Wynn was born. She and her husband, TSGT Billie Richard Thomas, raised their two children in Phoenix, Arizona. They retired in Sun City, Arizona and after the death of her husband, November 5, 2002, she moved and her final years, were spent in Salina, Utah.

Gigi enjoyed writing poems and daily journaling. She loved to draw abstract art. Her favorite flowers were daisies and sun flowers. She would stop anywhere to look at them. She spent her retirement years dining out, socializing and taking care of her pets, that brough her much comfort.

Gigi is survived by her children: Billie Thomas Jr. of Salina; Melinda and Brad Hughes of Surprise, Arizona; her grandchildren: Tiffany Hofer, Thomas A. Hughes, and Billie R. Hughes, all of Arizona; Kendall R. Thomas of Aurora, Utah and their respective spouses; 5 great-granddaughters: Tabatha, Donarei, Estara, Karter Ray and Mylah Billie; and 3 great-grandsons: Arden, Tyr and another one due in September.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Gertrude Greene; her husband, Billie Richard Thomas Sr.; and her two siblings: Gayle Doty and Gordon “Bobby” Greene.

Private family services were held and burial will take place at a later date under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.