Jean G. Thomas

Jean (Goffinet) Thomas, 89, of Tell City, IN, passed away July 29, 2025, at her home in Tell City, IN.

She was born in Perry County on June 22, 1936, daughter of the late Leo F. and Alice (George) Goffinet. Jean was united in marriage on February 19, 1955, to Gerald D. Thomas at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Leopold, IN. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005. Gerry passed away in December 2008.

Together they had seven children who all survive her including Danny Thomas (Carla), Cindy Ehrlich (Charlie), Karen Lyons (Randy), Sandra Simpson (Kenny), Greg Thomas (Susan), Tony Thomas (Julie) all of Tell City and Jeff Thomas (Justine) of Richland IN. She enjoyed her 20 grandchildren who all survive, Jeremy and Matthew Thomas, Amanda Goffinet, Bradley and Ben Stiles, Michelle Runkle, Nicole Zoglmann, Jennifer, David, and Steven Theriot, Leo, Thomas, and Will Simpson, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Landon Thomas, Sabrina Eaton, Matt Larson, and Colton and Luke Thomas; Step-grandchildren Mike, Andy, Kim, Charmin, Leah, and Bryce; Great grandchildren Brooks, Tucker, Jack, Maddie, Ava, Ruby, Lily, Jackson, Olivia, Caroline, Henry, Parker, Piper, Abel, Hiram, Evan, Beau, and Sage; Brothers Carroll (Brenda) Goffinet and Joe (Mona) Goffinet, and sister-in-law Dolores Goffinet all of Tell City; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brothers Bob Goffinet and Bill Goffinet and a sister-in-law Rita Goffinet.

Jean graduated from Oil Township High School in 1955. In 1971, after her youngest son Tony started school, she went to work at the Perry County Treasurers Office. She served as the County Treasurer from 1980 to 1986 during her career. After 23 years of dedicated service to her community, Jean retired.

She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Jean and her husband Gerry were members of a Christian Family Movement Study Club for 43 years and she continued in the group another 17 years after his death. She and Gerry also belonged to the Hoosier Heights Country Club for many years where they both loved to golf.

After retirement, Jean and her husband enjoyed spending their winters in Sebring, FL where she enjoyed golfing, socializing, and attending estate sales. Jean loved traveling with her husband and family and was able to visit all 50 states in her lifetime. After Gerry passed, she continued to travel with friends and family including a Hawaiian cruise.

Most important in Jean’s life and the motivation for all she did was her family. She enjoyed all the family gatherings and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting, band, dance, and cheerleading events along with many other special events. Jean loved to cook and was best known for her Thanksgiving dressing and meatloaf. She loved to help and support her family in any way she could.

Jean was known far and wide for her sewing abilities. She made all of her and her children’s clothing, costumes for grandchildren, dresses for weddings and dances, doll clothes, flags and uniforms for the band, and in her later years, she became a dedicated quilter. Jean also loved to read, reading a book each week on her Kindle. She also enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, completing them daily.

One of Jeans greatest accomplishments was writing a book about her life and getting it published. It is 426 pages long and full of stories and pictures. Her entire family treasures this wonderful gift.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City, IN with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Fr. Bernie Etienne and Fr. Tony Hollowell will co-celebrate. Visitation will be at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home, 920 10th St. Tell City, IN, on Sunday August 10, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Gerald D. Thomas Fund for the Youth of Tell City through the Perry County Community Foundation, 700 Main St. Tell City, IN, 47586, St. Paul Catholic Church or St. Mary Cemetery Fund, 824 Jefferson St., Tell City, IN 47586.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

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