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Marietta native Ann Wakefield Thomas died on Feb 22, 2026, in Bonita Springs, Florida, after a valiant fight against cancer. Ann was born on January 27, 1942, in Parkersburg, W.Va., the oldest child and only daughter of Ella Mae (Klinger) Wakefield and Samuel C. Wakefield. She grew up in Marietta, first on The West Side" near The Anchorage and later in "the house on the hill" at the top of Washington Street. As a child, Ann enjoyed adventures with her brother John and spending time on the Klinger family farm. She was especially close with her maternal grandmother, Alice Schwendeman Klinger.
Ann attended St. Mary's Elementary and Central High School, where her favorite nun was Sister Marialein, an inspirational teacher. Ann danced ballet throughout childhood and also enjoyed working as a teen at the Colony and Putnam movie theaters, and volunteering as a candy striper. Ann attended Ohio University and pledged Zeta Tau Alpha; she enjoyed lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. From a long line of teachers, Ann graduated with an education degree in 1964. She did her early teaching in Marietta and eventually taught pre-school and 1st-3rd graders in Southern California, Cincinnati, and Tennessee. She was recognized for her outstanding work as Head Teacher for the Head Start program in Cincinnati. She adored children and loved seeing them laugh and nurturing their sense of discovery.
In 1964, Ann married OU classmate (and lifelong best friend) James King Thomas at St. Mary's, now The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, and they enjoyed 55 wonderful years together. They had two daughters, Susan (1968) and Brett (1972). As a mother, Ann was fun and spirited, generous, thoughtful, and wise; and she always provided unconditional love and support. Of all the places Ann and her family lived, Marietta was never far from her mind, and she and the family spent a lot of time there over the decades. Just a few years ago, Ann attended her 60th high school reunion.
Ann was an avid reader and bridge player, and she loved golf, jogging, walking, biking, antiquing, and exploring country roads. A self-taught historian and genealogist, she was a proud Daughter of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the First Families of Washington County, Ohio, as the great, great, great-granddaughter of James Owen and Mary Gardner Owen. Ann's lifelong volunteer work included being a docent at The Hunt Morgan Home in Lexington, KY; a reader to the blind, and a Friends of the Library Board Member in FL.
Ann was full of life and will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, courage, and curiosity. Loyal and loving, she made friends wherever she went, often leading them on trips to historical sites and other adventures. Ann is survived by her maternal uncle, Bob Klinger; brothers John and Jeff (Jay died in 1999); two daughters, Susan and Brett; grandchildren, Owen and Lily; and many other family and friends. Susan and Brett miss their mother and father every day. They wish to give special thanks to Jeff and his wife Janet, for taking great care of Ann at Avow Hospice.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 24 at The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Ann and her husband, Jim, will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery.