Evelyn M. Thomas

Evelyn M. Thomas, 90, formerly of New Holland, died Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Luther Acres. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmon “Red” Thomas.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Paul J. and Viola M. (Degler) Leibold.

Evelyn was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Holland where she was a Sunday School Teacher for 35 years.

An accomplished musician, she gave piano, organ and accordion lessons both privately and at the former Wittich’s Music Store and Zeswitz Music Store, both in Reading. She provided entertainment with her accordion for floor shows, banquets, senior citizen group, nursing homes, and played with a trio of many years. She also enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, traveling with family and friends, and playing card games.

Surviving are three children: Gayle L. married to George W. “Butch” Gordon III, Ephrata, Glenn D. married to Jacki Oplinger, Fayetteville, NC, Jay A. married to Sandy Oplinger, Aurora, CO, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a step-daughter Elizabeth Jane Boyter, Winnsboro, SC and a brother, Robert A. Leibold married to Bernice Dolinski, Barrington, IL.

She was preceded in death by a son, Robert L. Oplinger, Jr. and a brother Frederick Leibold.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 E. Main St., New Holland, PA 17557. Interment in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the church on Thursday from 9-10 a.m. If desired, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, address above. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.