Patricia S. Thums, 85, of Isabella, died Monday, December 4, 2023, at Solvay Hospice, with her family and friends at her side.
Pat was born August 24, 1938, to Raymond T. and Elsie (Lebal) VanDeVoort on the family farm in rural Kennan, Wisconsin, where she grew up and attended school. As a young lady she moved to Ely and worked as a nurse’s aide at the hospital. On May 6, 1961, she married Ferdie Thums and they lived in Forest Center until 1965, when they moved to Isabella where they built their home and raised their family. Throughout her life, Pat dedicated her life to the community.
She served as a township clerk, a role in which she diligently worked. Pat’s commitment to her community extended beyond her official role, as she actively participated in the community council. Additionally, Pat generously volunteered her time as a Girl Scout and 4-H leader, and cheerleading advisor.
Pat had a green thumb and spent hours tending to her gardens. Gardening was not just a hobby, but a passion, that allowed her to create beauty in her surroundings. She took great pride in nourishing her plants and watching them flourish. In addition to gardening, Pat enjoyed canning. She spent hours preserving the vegetables from her garden, ensuring the flavors of summer would last all year.
Her cellar was always filled with delicious homemade canned goods, which she generously shared with family and friends. Pat will be remembered for her green thumb and nurturing spirit that touched the lives of many, and her legacy will live on.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ferdinand; and brothers, Gerald, John, and Raymond J. VanDeVoort. She is survived by her daughters, Christine (Michael) Ciurleo, Janet (Ron Shusta) Thums, Penny (Joe) Ernest, and Nichel (Doug) Townley; grandchildren, Corey Keuten, Casi Keuten, Kendra Snyder, Joseph Jr. (Carrie Jo) Ernest, Trish (Erik) Maras, Rodney (Jenn) Ernest, Randy (Jessica Thompson) Ernest, Brett and Jace Townley; many great and great-great-grandchildren; companion of many years, Bill Evans Sr.; a brother, Adrian (Lila) VanDeVoort; sisters, Ann (Roger) Harrington, and Kim Olson; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on December 11, 2023, at the Isabella Community Center. Burial will follow in the Isabella Community Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
