Thomas, Gerri webGeraldine M. ‘Gerri’ Gidley Thomas, 88, North Manchester, Ind., passed away at 4:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, in Oakbrook Village, Huntington, Ind. 

She was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Silver Lake, Ind., to Charles and Marie (Antrim) Hartsough. On Dec. 23, 1969, she married Reverend Robert Gidley. He preceded her in death. On Oct. 28, 1995 she married Charles Richard Thomas. 

Gerri was a secretary at Manchester College for 24 years. She was a member of Manchester Bible Church, North Manchester, and a member of Ivy Chapter #69 O.E.S., North Manchester. Gerri and her current husband, C. Richard Thomas, married when they were 70 years old and have enjoyed the best years of their lives together as Dick would write her poems, brought her flowers and made her laugh. She played the piano and organ for more than 50 years in her home churches and she accompanied and sang with her husbands and children in many churches in the area. Gerri and Reverend Gidley started the Christian Fellowship Church in North Manchester. 

She is survived by her husband; two daughters: Janice (John) Campbell, West Lafayette, Ind.; Barbara (David) Patterson, Atlanta, Ga.; four step-sons: Jon A. Gidley, South Whitley, Ind.; Robert D. ‘Bobby’ Gidley, North Manchester; Tim Thomas, Peru, Ind.; Rodney Thomas, Albuquerque, N.M.; two step-daughters: Sherry Hawks, Kokomo, Ind.; Linda M. Andersson, Mesa, Ariz.; two grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, August 21, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 W., North Manchester. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the funeral home. Pastor Matthew Staton and Pastor J. P. Freeman will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester. 

For those who wish to honor the memory of Geraldine Gidley Thomas, memorial contributions may be made to Manchester Bible Church, 11721 N. 300 E., North Manchester, IN 46962.