Janice L. Ottoman Ottaviano Thomas, 79, of Marysville, died peacefully at her home Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, surrounded by her children.
She owned and operated the Gary’s Drive In restaurant with her husband, Gary, for 18 years. She was then a waitress for a brief time at Hermie’s Home Restaurant before changing careers to become a corrections officer at the Marysville Women’s Reformatory for 22 years. After retiring, she continued her husband’s passion of helping people in need by contributing to local food pantries. She was a native of Marion and a graduate of Marion Harding High School.
She looked forward to Saturday morning rides with her daughter, Mary, seeking out the best yard sales. She enjoyed reading a good mystery or paranormal book and holistic medicine, doing reflexology for her friends.
She was born Oct. 5, 1939, in Marion, to the late Joseph and Mary Floria Ottman Ottaviano. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Gerald “Gary” Thomas, whom she married in 1956, and who died in 2014; son, David Gerald Thomas; and brothers, Donald and Robert Ottman.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Jesse Keith and Debra Thomas, Mary Kathleen and Terry McCoy; sister, Rosemary Ottman Ottaviano Enderle; sisters-in-law, Alyce Ottman, Margaret Fisher and Gertrude (Ed) Jackson; grandchildren, Tamara (Mike) Huckaba, Deanna (Josh) Henson, Lanette (Reggie) Looney, John (Angie) McCoy, Terah (Adam) McMahon and Keith McCoy; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
At her request, there will be no public memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Ingram Funeral Home, who is completing the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed at www.ingramfuneralservice.com.