Jane E. Thomas

Jane E. Thomas, of Dayton, passed away on November 1, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born in Dayton on January 9, 1940.

Jane built a life centered on hard work, family, and the simple joys she loved most. She worked in banking and bookkeeping and also served as manager at several grocery stores. Among the jobs she held, her favorite was working for the Dayton Dragons in the gift shop and in the Vault at Key Bank. She also worked for the Republican Party at the polls during different campaigns.

She enjoyed many interests that brought color and happiness to her life. Jane loved to read, especially legal thrillers as well as books on political and American history. She found great pleasure in gardening and grew beautiful flowers each year. She loved visiting the Florida Panhandle, especially Panama City Beach and Destin. She also loved to swim and enjoyed water aerobics and time at the Lohrey Center in Dayton. Jane loved to cook and entertain outdoors, and she was especially happy when surrounded by family, good food, and conversation. She was a proud grandmother who cherished time with her family.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Betty Brancato, and her son, Charles Thomas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Sarah E. Carroll and her husband, John; Elizabeth Gabbard and her husband, Andy; Rachel Thomas and Matthew Muise; Rebecca J. Brancato and Chris Bell; Stephen C. Thomas and his wife, Rachel; Andrew Thomas and his wife, Caitlyn; and Rick Brancato and Bailey Drown. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Gray, Catherine L. Powers and her husband, Robert, and Deborah L. Shepherd and her husband, Dean; and by her brother, John F. Kissinger and his wife, Cindy. Jane’s family was a great source of pride and joy in her life, and she treasured the time they shared together.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Kissinger; her mother, Betty Kissinger; and Charles Thomas, her former husband and friend.

Visitation will be held on November 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering, 3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, Ohio 45439.

Jane will be remembered for her warmth, her strong work ethic, her love of family, and the happiness she found in everyday moments. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.To share a memory of Jane or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.