Mary Jean Thomas, 55, of Rockford, Ohio, died Tuesday afternoon, May 17, 2016, at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, Ohio.

She was born on October 17, 1960 in Celina, Ohio, the daughter of Oliver Perry and Linda Lou (Ellis) Brandon.

She had lived in the area all her life and worked at Valco in Coldwater, Ohio. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Church, Celina, Ohio, past secretary of the United Steel Workers Local 4839 in Coldwater, Ohio, was a lifetime member of the Eichar-De Curtins VFW Post #5713 Auxiliary, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Homer Pierson Post #207 Auxiliary in Willshire, Ohio.

Surviving is her loving companion, Gary Brehm, of Rockford, Ohio; her daughter, Rachel Leigh (Chris Everett) Sargent of Columbia, South Carolina; a son, Logan Thomas of Celina, Ohio; 3 brothers: Olen (Patty) Brandon of St. Marys, Georgia; Jon Brandon of Chattanooga, Ohio; and Matt (Jessica) Ross of Celina, Ohio; 2 sisters: Sharon Sutter of Frostproof, Florida and Kathy Miracle of Chattanooga, Ohio, and two grandchildren, Hunter Sargent and Madelynn Elizabeth Sargent, both of Columbia, South Carolina.

Deceased are her father, Oliver Perry Brandon, her mother, Linda Lou Ross, and a sister, Kim Schmidt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be directed to Gary Brehm and designated to the Grandchildren's Educational Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, Ohio.