Pelham "Pat" Thomas

Pelham “Pat” Thomas was born on December 6, 1936 and left this world to meet her SAVIOR on September 21, 2021.  

Pat was born to Jacob and Clara Schuler in the farming community known as the North Pole outside of Ripley, Ohio. Pat had a younger brother, Jerry Schuler.

Pat attended school in Ripley thru High School and worked on her families tobacco farm.

Pat was a vivacious, out spoken, strong willed beauty. She was not a small town girl. She wanted to see and explore other places. Pat headed out and eventually ended up in Denver, CO where she met and married Al Lutz. Al came from a very large family and Pat fit right in maintaining a close relationship with them, especially, Al’s sister, Martha. Pat and Al were avid bowlers and acquired many friends thru bowling. Pat and Al had one son, Kenneth “Kenny” who was born in 1958. Pat and Al eventually divorced but remained close raising Kenny. Pat and Kenny lived in Denver for awhile and eventually moved to Thornton, CO. where she resided until her death.

While working at TG’s part time she met Bert Thomas whom she fondly referred to as “BW”.  Pat and Bert married on February 14, Valentines Day, 1976, in Thornton, CO. Pat and Kenny were now a family of 5, with Bert and his 2 children, Broxine and Mark.

Pat never stopped her beloved bowling! Pat and Bert continued doing their favorite sport and played in several leagues right up until her passing.  Pat worked at Frost Engineering where she played an integral part assembling pieces that made up the equipment that was used to break the sound barrier. During this time she was also utilized to test these pieces to make sure they were safe. Pat was a loyal and well trusted employee. She was utilized in training of new employees because of her efficiency, knowledge and insistence that the job be done correctly. Pat worked at Frost Engineering for 25 yrs. When Pat left Frost Engineering she started employment with Hunter Douglas where she again assembled many different styles of window coverings. She also excelled at Hunter Douglas and became a trainer of new employees and was a valued member to her employers. She was at Hunter Douglas for 5 yrs. 

During these working yrs Pat and Bert traveled to Hawaii to visit Kenny, twice, who was now in the Marine Corps assigned to Kilo33 company and stationed at Kaneohe Bay which was on northeast side of Honolulu and also once in Okinawa, Japan. They traveled to visit Mark who was in the US Army stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany, he was with the 330th Aviation Battalion. They also traveled to Rome, Italy and Austria and many of our United States.

During these years Broxine “Broxi” was still close by working and living in the Denver area. Pat was proud of all 3. The boys going into the military to serve our country and Broxine for getting an education and a well thought out career.

Pat was always pushing the kids and grandkids to make good, thought out, honest decisions. Broxi was the first to bless them with the first grandchild, a daughter, Shoni. Kenny followed with two children, Kenny Jr and Christina and Mark gave them three more, Becky, Ryan and Michael.

Pat, Bert and her mother, Clara attended church at the Church of Christ in Thornton, CO. Clara visited often from her home in Ripley, OH. It was during this time Pat accepted CHRIST as her personal LORD and SAVIOR.  Dale Powers baptized Pat in 1996 into the Church of Christ. Pat loved her SAVIOR and the written WORD. She was very out spoken about HIM and her faith. She was devoted to reading her Bible daily. She often spoke to her children about her religious beliefs and wanted to make sure that all her family knew CHRIST and the written WORD, as she did.

Pat retired, as did Bert. They purchased a 5th wheel trailer, new truck and away they went. They traveled to many different places. Pat was not a fan of camping and fishing and she was not afraid to share that.  Pat enjoyed going to places where they could find points of interest where she could learn and gain some knowledge. Pat enjoyed meeting new people as well and enjoyed “bending an ear” to whomever she came in contact with. Clara often accompanied them on many of these trips.  During their travels, they attended church’s wherever they were.

Pat and Bert were a very “routine” couple. They’re days we’re usually spent the same. Pat said she liked it that way because she didn’t have to make plans everyday. If they weren’t bowling, Pat and Bert were always on the go. They routinely visited Walmart (many Walmart’s!) Pat was not one to sit at home. During the Pandemic she really struggled with not being able to get out of the house. Every Tuesday afternoon they would visit Kenny and his wife, Shawn, who lived nearby. Pat and Shawn would spend hours talking about anything and everything. Pat didn’t always agree with your ideas or beliefs but she never insisted or pushed her beliefs on you. Pat loved to talk religion, politics, family, her beloved Rockies, celebrity gossip etc. Pat was very outspoken, family would often tease her about her “no filter” communication skills. Pat loved her Colorado Rockies, win or lose, she was always cheering them on.

Pat and Bert spent time volunteering at their church whenever needed. They spent many hrs volunteering with the Northglenn Police Department, with the senior group, known as CPAN. Pat was fascinated with police work and was very interested in how things worked. Pat has 2 grandsons in LE, she prayed often for their safety and the safety of the others. During her time in CPAN, Pat became well known by officers in the department and the administration. She loved participating in the citizen police academies and helping wherever needed.

One other aspect of Pat’s life was her enjoyment of watching the old westerns on TV and listening to the old music of her generation. Pat’s TV favorites were Lawman, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman and all the older shows. She also watched the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. She enjoyed most of the old time country music, especially the more religious ones.

Pat admired the well dressed man or woman whether it be a police uniform, military uniform, western clothing, a man in a nice suit or a woman in a nice suit or dress. Pat explained that the clothing didn’t make the man or woman but if they took time to present themselves in this way then they we’re probably someone who took pride in themselves and what they were doing.

Pat was always telling her children and grandchildren the importance of working hard, not missing work, do your best at work even if you’re not completely happy with what you were doing. She also was adamant about speaking up if you knew something was not right. Pat was a no-nonsense person, she was either black or white, no grey areas, there was nothing in between with Pat. Pat took pride in presenting herself as an honest, healthy, very clean organized woman. Material things were not important. Spending unnecessarily was not an option.

Pat is survived by her husband, Bert. Her son, Kenny (Shawn) Lutz, Step-daughter; Broxine Thomas, Step-son, Mark (Kathie) Thomas, 1 niece; 1 nephew, 1 great nephew, 2 great nieces, 2 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 20 step great grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by both her parents; her brother; Jerry; and one great grandson.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choosing.

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