Kimber Irene Thomas

“Love begins at home.” — Mother Teresa

Kimber “Kim” Irene Thomas, 77, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away from heart failure at her home on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Kim was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Bette Aldrich and later adopted by her loving father, Jack Ward. When she was twelve, her family moved to Richmond, Indiana, where she graduated from Richmond High School in 1965.

While Kim and her devoted husband, William “Bill” Thomas, attended the same high school, they did not become acquainted and start dating until they found themselves in Washington, D.C., where Kim worked for Southeast Airlines and Bill for the F.B.I. About a year later, they moved back to Richmond and were married on February 17, 1968.

Kim and Bill spent 54 years in Richmond, where she lovingly raised her family and made many of her dearest friends before moving to Indianapolis in 2009.

Whether in Richmond or Indianapolis, home held a special place in Kim’s heart. Among her favorite activities were decorating and cooking during the holidays. Her beautifully adorned dining room was the centerpiece of every holiday and the source of numerous compliments. A terrific cook, Kim notoriously went over the top, preparing so much food that it took hours to clean up afterward. Kim’s homemade rigatoni was a family favorite.

Kim was also an avid gardener who loved working in her yard every spring and summer. She spent countless hours beautifying her home and yard with flowers that drew the admiration of many. She graciously offered “tours” of her garden and loved sharing her broad knowledge of flowers and their pollinators.

Knowing what pleasure her home gave her, it is no surprise that Kim spent 40 years in the real estate industry helping people find their dream homes where, she hoped, they would find the sort of joy that she did in hers. Kim loved to work and enjoyed every minute of her job until she recently retired in 2023.

In addition to her husband, Bill, Kim is also survived by her daughters (and best friends) Shelly Litherland (Chad) and Rebecca Rutz (Mike); sister Debra Taylor (Rod); brother Mike Ward; and five loving grandchildren: William, Charlie, and Tatum Rutz, and Max and Saylor Litherland. Kim cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren at the hockey rink, soccer pitch, and cheer stage. She also enjoyed traveling with her family to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and hanging out at her children’s cottages on Lake Cordry in Southern Indiana, where she was often the life of the party—and not afraid to take a plunge off the high-dive party deck.

Kim left an indelible mark on many. Her family and friends will remember her witty and contagious sense of humor, beautiful smile, and incredible energy, which filled every room—and home—she graced.

Funeral services for Kim will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church (10500 126th St, Fishers, IN 46038). Visitation will occur from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Hamilton County: https://www.hamiltonhumane.com/how-to-help/memorial

For those not able to attend the service in person, please see the livestream link by clicking here.