Zella Taber Thomas

Zella (Taber) Thomas, 96, of Greencastle, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3 to be in God’s loving hands.

She was born on March 14, 1926, to her devoted parents, Harley and Laura Taber, on a farm in the Greencastle area.

Zella faced life’s challenges with her genuine Christian faith in God and with a quiet strength and resilience.

She graduated from Reelsville High School in 1944 and married James Thomas of Greencastle.

She worked hard while her husband completed his college degrees while also raising three children. She was a committed wife and a devoted mother to her children, supporting them in their youth in church, school, scouting, music and sports.

Zella worked for the West Virginia Department of Health for many years.

She and her husband returned to Greencastle for their retirement, where they established the Zella Marie Taber Thomas Scholarship for Putnam County students. She always loved children and taught Sunday school when possible.

She courageously fought cancer twice.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, half-brother James Taber and her granddaughter, Laura Thomas.

Zella is survived by her three children, David A. Thomas and his wife Barb of Gainesville, Fla., Myrna C. MacArthur of Londonderry, N.H., and Joyce L. Tiggelaar and her husband John of Lexington, Ky.; grandchildren Joel Thomas and his wife Jen, Nicole LaMothe and her husband Steven, Ben Gregorio, Sarah Tiggelaar and her husband Maxime, John M. Tiggelaar II, Rebecca Tiggelaar and her husband Kevin; and great-grandchildren Ashley and Katelyn LaMothe, Jamie, Jesse and Miya Cuypers, Everett Tiggelaar and Mei-Li Steele.

Zella appreciated the calls and visits of her nieces and nephews and her friend, Vyanne Chandler.

Zella will be missed. Heaven gained an angel.

In her memory, please take a moment to reflect on all the goodness in the world. Extend a helping hand, a kind word, a big smile, a hug or a “Thank you” to a neighbor, soldier or child who needs encouragement.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may consider donating to the Zella Marie Taber Thomas Scholarship fund through the Putnam County Community Foundation.

Arrangements will be handled by Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home in Greencastle.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.