Barbara Ann Thomas

Barbara Ann Thomas, 82, a devoted Christian wife, mother, and grandmother, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 10, 2025, in Lake Forest, Illinois, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 15, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Ralph Rockwell and Rose (Devlin) Rockwell, Barbara grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts; Stamford, Connecticut; and Park Ridge, Illinois. She attended Drake University and there met Wayne Albert (“Bud”) Thomas, Jr. They married on October 22, 1962, and over the subsequent 63 years together built a home marked by prayer and steadfast love.

Barbara came to saving faith in Christ as a young woman and wanted to be remembered simply as a “Christian wife and Christian mother.” She was an eager and lifelong student of the Bible. She attended Christ Church Lake Forest for more than 30 years, and previously was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest and First Presbyterian Church of Highland Park. Over the years she had taught Sunday School, conducted Bible studies, and had been an active member of Christian Women’s Club.

She delighted in her family and considered it her greatest earthly joy. She is survived by her husband, Wayne; her children, Brandon (Anne), Gregory (Jennifer), and Russ (Beth); and ten cherished grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ellen “Mimi” Raymond. She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Rose Rockwell and brother Ralph N. Rockwell.

Barbara loved simple joys: reading her well-worn Bible, singing hymns, tending her garden, creating artwork, and cheering at grandkids’ games and recitals. Her legacy is a family anchored in Christ, nourished by her prayers, and shaped by her example of steadfast love.

A private graveside service was held on October 23, 2025 at North Shore Garden of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, or to a charity of your choice.

www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/barbara-thomas-lake-forest-il  

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