Evalyn Bates Thomas, 96, of Ashburn, VA, died peacefully in her home at Ashby Ponds, in Ashburn VA on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
Mrs. Thomas was born June 26, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her parents, Ralph and Zella Bates were longtime residents of Iowa,
where Mrs. Thomas was raised and attended school. While attending the University of Iowa she met her husband, John M. Thomas, also of
Iowa. They married on April 7, 1951 and moved to Washington DC to begin their jobs with the Department of State. Mr. Thomas preceded
her in death on February 4, 2012. She is survived by her two children, Michael (Kathleen) Thomas and Kathleen (Gary) Gardner, six grandchildren, Kelley (Mike) Rodgers, Melissa (Stephen) Plastino, Lindsay (Kyle) Bacon, Christine (Chris) Crouse, Stephen (Alicia) Gardner and Julie Thomas, as well as twelve great grandchildren, Ryan and Jack Rodgers, Niko Sigalas, Abby Plastino, Brayden Bacon, Charlotte Crouse, Evalyn Bacon, Casey Crouse, JT Gardner, Luca Plastino, Ava Rodgers and Mia Rodgers. Mrs. Thomas was a member of PEO and enjoyed golf, bridge and mostly time with her family and friends. Evalyn's greatest joy was in being the matriarch at the many family functions that brought her entire family together where she was always the center of the laughter and joy of family.

Relatives and friends are invited to Evalyn's life celebration at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, NE, Leesburg, VA on Friday, September 16 at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Evalyn's memory to the charity of your choice.