Celia L Thomas

Celia L. Thomas 74, died Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas.  She was born July 28, 1949 in Dallas, Texas to Luther and Esther (Maaser) Poellot.  

Celia married Allen Thomas in Newton, Kansas in Feb ‘88. Together, Celia & Allen bought & ran a gift wrap distribution business wholesaling gift boxes, wrap and ribbons to retailers around the state. An early adopter of the internet, Celia built the business a website from scratch extending sales nationwide. 

Celia was a longtime resident of Sedgwick, KS. When she & Allen moved to the edge of town she enjoyed the wildlife that came to visit often photographing the animals and feeding birds. 

She had a soft spot for dogs and cared for many pets during her lifetime.  She was known for her friendly inclusive personality & making friends easily. 

Celia had many joys in her life. She was a compassionate, inclusive person who made friends readily & with an open heart. Music was also important, both going to local music events or listening to her favorites The Beatles & John Denver. 

Her greatest joy in life was her family & loved to travel to see them, whether it was out of state or just across town. 

Celia is survived by her 2 sons Troy Williams and Chad Williams; 2 grandchildren Tad Williams and Caleb Williams; step-mother Nancy Leffler-Poellot; 2 sisters Marion and Sharon Poellot.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Allen and sister Carolyn Gluesenkamp.

A gathering and visitation will be 12 noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home. A graveside committal will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick.

Memorials may be made to the Caring Hands Humane Society and left with Petersen Funeral Home.