Obituary: Marcia Jane Pray Thomas

Marcia Jane Pray Thomas was born on July 24, 1929 and died on Feb. 26, 2026 at the age of 96.  

She was the daughter of Henry Augustus Holden Pray and Charlotte Moody Pray.

Marcia was predeceased by her husband, Richard L. Thomas, and her sister, Barbara P. Elliott. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as her sister Sally P. Thomas and extended family.

Marcia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from Ohio State University in 1951 and was employed in Procter & Gamble’s home economics department from 1951 to 1956.   

After her children were grown, she volunteered at Riverside Methodist Hospital for 37 years, staffing the information desk and assisting hospital visitors.

In 1954 Marcia married Richard L. Thomas and they were married for 50 years until he passed away in 2004. They lived in Colorado, Massachusetts and Ohio. Together, they raised three children, Beverly, Paul and David (Nancy). 

She was especially proud of her three grandchildren, Stephen (Ashley), Spencer (Joy) and Rachel; and her five great-grandchildren, Adeline, Charlie, Levi, Claire and Whitaker.

Marcia loved to travel and to learn new things. She and Dick enjoyed taking long driving trips around the continent, exploring parks, museums and historical sites. She spent many years doing extensive genealogical work on the family history. She was a swimmer, photographer, music lover and a master cookie baker.  

Most of all, Marcia loved making a home for her family. She provided lifelong support and encouragement to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered with love and admired for a life well-lived. 

This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited.