Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Kathy R. Thomas Vlaanderen, passed away Nov. 17, 2012, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love with all her children, their spouses and some of her grandchildren by her side.Kathy was born January 9, 1938, in Malad, Idaho, to Benjamin and Margaret Archibald Thomas. On September 11, 1954, she married the love of her life, William Jurrian Vlaanderen, in Ogden, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, they raised 8 children and eventually they became a family of 73. They were married 47 years before Bill died on November 11, 2001.Kathy was a very shy and reserved woman with a heart of gold, a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. Once you got to know her, you had a loving and loyal friend for life. She loved being with her family and especially enjoyed the annual "Mom and Sisters weekends" that were so much fun. She was a gifted seamstress and co-owned her own craft business for many years. She really disliked the cold weather and loved the years she was able to "winter" in Logandale, Nevada. Kathy was the center of our family and we all revolved around her. We will miss her more than words can say.Kathy is survived by six daughters and one son, Wendy (Bill) Chipp, Robin Burr, Lori (Kerry) Preece, Bill (Toby) Vlaanderen, Tona (Kirk) Fielding, Staci Nelson and Traci Vlaanderen, 28 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joann James, and two brothers, David Robert Thomas and Jim Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one daughter, Lisa K. Christian, one grandson, Abe M. Vlaanderen, two brothers, Jay Thomas and LaMon Thomas, and her sister, Marilyn Howard.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Leavitts Mortuary, 836 36th Street in Ogden, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday before the service from noon until 1:45 p.m. Interment will be at Aultorest Memorial Park.The family would like to thank Dr. Tyler Christensen, Dr. Regina Klein and Hospice of Utah for their care and kindness during Moms final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Utah or the American Cancer Society. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:45 pm Leavitts Mortuary Address: 836 36th Street, , Ogden, UT, 84403 801-394-5556 | Map Service Information Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 Time: 2:00 pm - Leavitts Mortuary Address: 836 36th Street, , Ogden, UT, 84403 801-394-5556 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park Address: 836 36th Street, , Ogden, UT, | Map