Irene Emma Thomas

Irene Emma Thomas, 75, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on August 5, 2023.

A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Irene was born on May 12, 1948, to the late Minter and Mamie Ritter. Following her father’s untimely death, her family relocated to the Akron area in1956. Irene graduated from Springfield High School in 1966, and continued to make the Akron area her home for the rest of her days.

Irene met the love of her life, Jim, in the mid-1970’s and the two spent the following nearly 50 years creating a wonderful life together and many great memories. Together they shared a big, beautiful, blended family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and “nanny”, and her legacy will live on through her family and those who were lucky enough to have known her. She prided herself in bringing comfort and peace to those who had the pleasure of her company. Her family was above all her greatest source of pride and joy.

Irene enjoyed many things in this life. She was a fantastic cook, who shared her love and knowledge of food with her children and grandchildren. As an avid reader, she was never without multiple books at a time, reaching across many genres. Gardening and bird watching gave her pleasure on rainy days. Irene had a special talent for playing musical instruments and listening to music of all kinds. She enjoyed the simple things in life like camping, homesteading, and crafting, along with so many other crafts & hobbies. Her greatest joy came from having her and Jim’s family over for fish fry’s and get-togethers, filling the house with warmth, happiness and loud boisterous laughter. Lakeside family trips held a special place in her heart.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Minter and Mamie Ritter, along with her youngest brother, Kenneth Ritter. Irene leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, James W. Thomas; sons, Jody Bruce Rinehart and Matthew (Tammy) Rinehart; daughters, Amber (Jeffrey) Blazeff and Sarah Parsons; step-children, Jimmy Thomas, Christi Thomas, Amy Carlisle, Kevin (Stephanie) Thomas, and Mary (Joe) Manno, and son-in-law, Joel Davis; brothers, Chester Ritter and David (Linda) Ritter; sisters-in-law, Linda (Joe) Gingo and Mary Campbell. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Aurora (Austin) Cooper, Logan Rinehart, Wyatt Blazeff, Liam & Henry Parsons, Courtney (Steve) Dixon, Troy Davis, Amanda (Chris) West, and Kyle Thomas; along with her growing number of great-grandchildren. Irene leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as life-long friends she considered family.

Calling hours Tuesday, August 15th from 4:30-7:00 at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd. in Fairlawn.

The family will be hosting a celebration to honor Irene's life on Saturday, September 16th in Tallmadge, Ohio. Further details to be provided at a later time.

“Irene, goodnight,

Irene goodnight,

Goodnight Irene,

I’ll see you in my dreams” ~ Leadbelly

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