Jane R. Thomas

Jane Rising Thomas, 93, of Ligonier, died peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born April 16, 1931 and grew up in Shelocta, near Indiana, PA. Her parents are the late W.B. and Helen Rising, who operated the Rising Garage in Shelocta through the Depression until the 1980s. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, her brothers Sam and Charlie and her sisters Joan and Dusty.

She is survived by her sister Martha and her brother Richard, her children, J. Bradley (Ruth) of Easton, PA, Ruth Ann (William) Steedle of Pittsburgh, and Sharon Thomas (David Warren) of Boulder, CO, four grandchildren: Rachel, Alex, Jesse and Carson, and seven great grandchildren.

Jane’s great loves were family and flowers. She was an avid student of Rising and Thomas family history, painstakingly preserving family photos and documenting genealogy. In earlier years, she served on the board of the Curry Run Cemetery Association. She was famous for her flower gardens, lovingly tending them every summer until her death.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels, PO Box 203, Ligonier, PA 15658. The volunteers of that wonderful organization provided her nourishment, friendship and kindness for eight years, allowing her to stay in the home she loved.

A private service will be held in Indiana.