Joyce Aelene Thomas

Joyce Arlene Thomas, 84, of Bloomington passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at the IU Health Hospice House. She was born on September 11, 1939 in Grant, Michigan the daughter of Kenneth and Isabell Grace (Simington) Forman. Joyce was a 1957 graduate of Muskegon High School. She married the love of her life Harold John Thomas on August 17, 1957 in Muskegon, Michigan. Together they built a home in Bloomington, adopting and raising their two daughters. In their later years they enjoyed taking jaunts across the state, hitting antique stores and flea markets looking for her collectible treasures. Best buddies, they just enjoyed the ride and spending time together. They were happily married for fifty-seven years. Her greatest joy was being a mother, wife and homemaker, she especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She had a wry sense of humor and was not afraid to speak her mind. She was nothing but trouble, the best kind. Joyce worked in the cafeteria RCA as a cook, and then as a retail associate for Hallmark Store in Bloomington for several years. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing cards and especially decorating her house for all seasons and watching her favorite baseball team the cubbies. She was an avid collector of Longaberger Baskets, Pfaltzgraff Dishes and teddy bears. Joyce was a member of the Sunshine Girls homemakers club, which later turned into a monthly euchre card club. She formed lifelong friendships with these women. They were each other’s rocks, sharing the good times with the bad. Friends are like family and Joyce loved these women like sisters. Joyce Danielson, Margaret McRae, Mary Swarthout, Barbara Richardson and Jackie Farnquist were her dearest friends. Thank you for taking care of each other. Later in life Joyce experienced renal failure and was on dialysis for her last six years. The people who took care of her at Davita were the most kind and generous people you could ever meet. Her family deeply appreciates the love and care they gave her. We would also like to acknowledge her caregivers at Stonecroft. Joyce will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Thomas of Bloomington, Susan (Thomas) and Russ Mitchell of Bloomington; her grandchildren, Griffin Kruithof; Joshua Bloodgood; Mallory Hendershot and Carli Hendershot; her brother, Jack Forman, and many nieces, nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Thomas, parents, Kenneth and Isabell Forman; her brothers, Robert Forman and William Forman; her sister, Joan Gale. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the IU Health Hospice House. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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Joyce Aelene Thomas

September 11, 1939 - July 24, 2024