Frances Claudine Thomas nee Sheetz 99 of Urbana died at 12:28 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Amber Glen facility in Urbana, Illinois. She was born on February 24, 1917, in Stockton Illinois, the daughter of James Albert and Maude (Tucker) Sheetz. She attended Jefferson grade school until 8th grade. In 1934 she graduated from Stockton High School. From there she went to the University of Illinois where she majored in English and graduated in 1938. Years later she earned a Master's degree from Western Illinois University.

In July, 1941, she married George Edmund (Tommy) Thomas, her high school sweetheart, in Reno, Nevada. She followed Tommy around the United States from Army camp to Army camp until he was sent overseas in 1944. Franny returned to Stockton to teach for several years. After the war, Franny and Tommy farmed the Thomas family farm in Woodbine, Illinois, and raised their three children, Ann, Christine and George.

In 1957, Franny began teaching English at Stockton High School. Conveying her love of poetry and literature to her students was a special joy for her. She retired in 1978.

After selling the farm in 1986, Franny and Tommy moved to Lake Montezuma, Arizona, where they lived for 16 years. Franny was a quilter, golfer and seamstress. She led an active social life and had many friends whom she hated to leave, but after Tommy's death in 1999, she moved to Urbana, Illinois, where Ann and her children were living. She enjoyed her lovely apartment there for 13 years during which time she volunteered at the hospital as a Pink Lady, became adept at tai chi and attended many plays and concerts. When independence became too difficult, she moved in with Ann. Her last year was spent at Amber Glen.

Franny was a lifelong member of the Stockton Unitarian Universalist Church. All her life she was an avid reader and a politically interested person. Always she was interested in the lives of her former students. She loved to attend their class reunions.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Beulah Mae Inui and Arvilla Ekstrom, also her brother William Sheetz and her husband Tommy Thomas.

Survivors include her eldest daughter, Ann Thomas (Chuck Fay), granddaughter Emily Kerlin (Thomas Skottene) and great-grandchildren Fia and Kelby Svendsen; Grandson Seth Kerlin (Laura) and great-grandchildren, Amelia and Judson.

Daughter, Christine Kohl (Helmut), grandson Thomas (Beate Kobler) Kohl and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Martha Kohl; granddaughter Sarah Kohl (Andrae Delaney) and great-grandson Will Delaney.

Son, George Thomas (Deb), grandson Zac Thomas and step-granddaughter Tammy Cloutier.

Sister-in-law Nina Mae Sheetz survives as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Renner-Wikoff and Crematory, Urbana is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.