Loretta Hardin Thomas, age 81, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away Tuesday, November 9 2010 after an extended illness. She loved her children but went on to be with the Lord.

Ms Thomas was a longtime member of The First Baptist Church of Phoenixville, The Phoenixville Historical Society, and The Women's Club of Phoenixville.

A driving passion was The Civil War Round Table and Ms Thomas loved to be in re-enactments. She was also a member of numerous other civic and local organizations; often holding official supporting roles. She was very patriotic and gave lectures about patriotic themes.

Ms Thomas designed a successful bridge tally pad that was sold internationally. Loretta also owned a specialized antique business. Her love of books led her into the world of exclusive first and second edition collections. She became a guest author for diverse national magazines on several subjects.

Ms Thomas taught both cake decorating and flower arranging. Her artistic flare spilled over into gardening beds of unique flowers throughout her life. She won many awards in arranging.

Loretta loved her children. She was extremely proud of them all. She valued continuing education and was excited that all her children graduated from college. She also continued advancing her own education all her life.

Her survivors include: Paul A. Thomas, III, and his partner, Marilyn Scholze, of San Francisco, CA; Dr. John H. Thomas and his wife, Anita, of Bridgewater, NJ; and Robert F. Thomas, of Louisville, KY; Marian K. Thomas of Chantilly, VA; Laura Paynter of Shannon, GA; and Shoshana Klieman and her husband, Dick, of Jerusalem, Israel; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three remaining sisters: Christine Hannaford of Americus, GA; Katie Ruth Kuntarich and her husband, Louis, of Crown Point, IN; and Patsy Ann Frisby and her husband, Ray, of Ft. Casper, WY. She has numerous nieces and nephews. Her family is living all around the world.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc, 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA, 19460, on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Officiating will be the Rev. Brent D. Miller. Burial will follow in the Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends will be received from 9:00-10:00 AM at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Phoenixville, 248 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA, 19460. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.