Kokomo, IN - Bessie Eleanor Thomas, 98, passed away at 4:44 am, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born on January 22, 1928, in Quaker City, OH, the daughter of Harry Carper and L.B. Alberta (Havens) Burcher. On (marriage date) 1949, she married William Hugh Thomas who preceded her in death on November 9, 1993.

Bessie was a graduate of Quaker City High School in Ohio. She worked as a receptionist. Bessie loved to dance, doing word searches, playing cards and traveling to see family, friends and the scenery. She also enjoyed making memories with her friends and family and loved the mountains, chocolate and music. Her favorite entertainers were Mikey Gilley, Jeff Dunham, Bill Engvall, and Dean Martin. She was also crafty and enjoyed ceramics and painting.

She is survived by her children, Roger Thomas, Kitty Creason, and Julie Hewitt; grandchildren, Randy (Rhonda) Thomas, Josh Thomas, Melinda Baker, Angie Nutter, Stefanie Nutter, Jenn Woosley, Whitney (Geryt) Jackson,; great-grandchildren, Brandi McKinney, Mason Thomas, Madison Thomas, Austin Baker, James Baker, Kiley Nutter, Jaylyn Nutter, Aurora McKinney, Trenton McKinney, Jessie Gates, Brooklyn Baker, Cadence David, Abbie Woosley, Jacen Woosley, Wayde Jackson, Eastyn Jackson, and Brody Jackson; great-great-grandchildren, Hudson Baker, Reed Baker, and Kelly Baker; siblings, Becky Burcher, Butch Burcher, Bob (Pat) Burcher; and several nieces and nephews.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, Grant William Thomas and Jeannie Cooper; and siblings, Earle Burcher, Margaret Burcher, Dan Burcher, Jack Burcher, Harvey Burcher, Latty Burcher, and Anah Burcher-Barnett.

A funeral service celebrating Bessie's life will be held at 6 pm, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm until the time of the service on Monday. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.