ASHTON — Irene M. Thomas, 85, of Ashton, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at her home in Ashton, IL surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 2, 1938, in DeKalb, the daughter of Frank and Edith (Clarke) Jacox. 

Irene worked as a secretary at Caron International for thirty years. She loved puzzles and word search books. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. Her door was always open to everyone, it seemed as if every kid in town had visited her home at some point. 

Irene is survived by four children: Delbert (Donna) Thomas of Franksville, WI, Frank Thomas of Rochelle, IL, Pam Schwarz of Ashton, and Michael Thomas of Hampstead, NC; daughter-in-law, Belinda Thomas of Rochelle; grandchildren: Jeff (Monica) Schwarz, Lisa Schwarz, Kristin (Chris Reed) Schwarz, Jaime Thomas, Angela Thomas, Karrie (Jeff) Lazewski, Alyssa Thomas, Stephani (Scott) Cater, Kevin (Jody Sedgwick-Gulley) Thomas, Josh (Jena Lachat) McCaslin, A.J. Thomas, and Britany (Eugene) Neal; great-grandchildren: Alex Schwarz, Tyler Paxton, Alainah Jordal, Gregory Dorwaldt, William Dorwaldt, Joshua Schwarz, Mason Schwarz, Matthew Schwarz, Jayden West, Logan West, Harper Lazewski, Hayes Lazewski, Huxton Lazewski, Kayli Cater, Jake Cater, Drew Cater, Brooklyn Lachat, Phoenix McCaslin, Aurora McCaslin, and Destiny Thomas; brother, Gerald (Joyce) Jacox; sisters: Charlotte Kalk and Beverly Smith; sisters-in-law: Ruth Beck and Lucille Baumgartner; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Irene is preceded in death by a son, Kevin Thomas; brothers: Frank Jacox Jr. and Merle Jacox; sisters: Alice McMahan, Gloria Jacox, and Shirley Wooten; brothers-in-law: James Kalk, Lonnie Smith, and Leroy Thomas; and sister-in-law, Berniece Ellis. 

A memorial visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St. in Rochelle. Interment of cremated remains will follow the visitation in Ashton Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.