Alice "AJ" Thomas

Alice “AJ” Thomas, 70, of Osage City, KS, was tragically taken from her family and many friends on March 10, 2025 due to injuries sustained in an accident that occurred in Topeka. She is survived by her sister Joyce of Shawnee, KS and brother Jerry of Del Ray Beach, FL. The sudden and unexpected nature of her death has left us all in shock. None of us wants to say goodbye to a loved one but not having the opportunity to say goodbye proves to be more difficult. This reminds us all that we must live and love like each day is our last. AJ personified this in her life and our memories of her should honor and value the inspirational nature of this special woman.

Born September 27, 1954 to Cecil and Myrtle Thomas of Lenexa, KS, AJ grew up on the family farm. Her upbringing forged an iron work ethic and love of nature, animals, and gardening that lasted her whole life. Anyone who knew her would agree that she could and often would out-work the best of us. Love and loyalty for her family and to their farm would often see AJ working until dark helping Cecil put up hay or canning vegetables with Myrtle… after already putting in a full day at KU or KDHE.

AJ was blessed from a young age with a thirst for knowledge. A graduate of DeSoto High School, her pursuit of education eventually led her to being presented with a Master of Arts in Geography from The University of Kansas in 1993. She never stopped learning though, always taking the time to thoroughly research her many projects and hobbies in order to perfect her handicraft. Most recently she devoted her time and energy to renovations to her home in Osage City and learning pistol marksmanship (at 70)!

Not only did AJ bring her tenacity, hard work, and intelligence to any project she undertook, she always did so with a natural artistic ability. With an eye for design and color, her photography was not only beautiful but recognized with awards from contests that she entered. Eclipses and comets often had her lens and shutter pointed skyward but flowers, insects and birds kept her focused on the beauty of nature around her. In case we weren’t jealous of AJ’s talents already, she was a talented painter and beautiful singer. A love of quilting, sewing and handicrafts were passed down from her mother Myrtle. AJ would often present quilts or crocheted scarves and caps as gifts which would warm our bodies as well as our hearts with her love.

Truly, AJ will be missed by one and all. For those wishing to attend and share their memories and their love, a celebration of life service will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kansas on March 29, 2-4 pm. Burial of the cremation urn will follow at Monticello Union Cemetery across from the Monticello United Methodist Church in Shawnee, KS. For those considering flowers, AJ was a life-long fan of Kansas Public Radio and PBS and she had indicated that a small gift to either of those organizations in her memory would be appreciated.