CONTINENTAL – Norma J. Thomas, 86, of Continental, passed away at 2:00 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. She was born September 14, 1939, in Continental to the late Willard Sr. and Henrietta (Geren) Cass. On June 21, 1958, she married Donald R. Thomas, who preceded her in death on September 10, 2012.
She is survived by four children: Mark Alan Thomas, Rachel Renae Mingus, Dorothy Jean Thomas and special son, Tim Heishman, all of Continental; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers: Robert (Gloria) Cass of Ayersville and Richard Cass of Leipsic; and two sisters-in-law: Alvera Cass of Miller City and Thelma Thomas of Ft. Wayne.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, David Charles Thomas; six siblings: Erma (Orville) Cunningham, Willard (Doris) Cass, Jr., Donna (Raymond) Shafer, Carl (Phyllis) Cass, Edward Cass and Florence Elaine (Clifford) Shellenbarger.
Norma retired in 1997 from Cambell’s Soup, Napoleon. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Continental, where she was the head of their greeting card committee, volunteered her time in cleaning the church and also volunteered in filling food boxes for the community food pantry as a combined effort with local churches. Norma was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, gardening and cross stitching. Norma also loved going camping with her late husband and spending time with her family.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, Continental with Pastor Philip Scherr officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental and 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Continental or Putnam County District Library, Continental Branch.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
