Lylia Louise Thomas, 80, of Phoenix passed and left us to go home to our Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at her home after her battle with AML Leukemia. Lylia was born October 25, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Louise and Anthony LaMantia. She married Marion “Keith” Thomas on September 14, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona. A graduate of Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Lylia held several jobs over her lifetime including Production Line Associate at Motorola, a Legal Assistant at Poli & Ball Law Firm, Sales Associate at Dillard’s Department Store, and Head Bartender at the Air National Guard NCO Club. More importantly, she devoted much of her time to raising their two children Jackie and Daniel “Danny”.
She spent her free time traveling with Keith in their RV to both Puerto Penasco “Rocky Point” Mexico and San Diego California. She loved the beach. She loved riding three wheelers and quads. She also loved watching her children and later her grandchildren compete in all sorts of sports. Whether it was baseball, softball, wrestling, soccer or basketball, she was always there to cheer them on. She was an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Penn State Nittany Lions. She was also a fan of NASCAR, however, some of her fondest memories are with Keith at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix watching sprint cars race.
In their later years, she and Keith found their home away from home at the American Legion Post 44 in Scottsdale where they made many lasting friendships. She was passionate about making sure all Veterans received the care and support they so rightly deserved. She loved to play Bingo and she loved
her time as a volunteer Bartender at the Legion.
Survivors include her husband, Marion “Keith” Thomas of Phoenix; her son Danny (Jill) Thomas of Chandler, AZ; her son in-law Reid Keilback of Phoenix and five grandchildren, Jeremy Keilback of Charlotte, NC; Cortney, Cole, James, and Carson Thomas all of Chandler, AZ. Lylia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John LaMantia; and her daughter, Jackie (Thomas) Keilback.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial service will be held at 12:00PM on Thursday December 8, 2022 at Whitney &Murphy Funeral Home at 4800 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018 with Pastor Randy Williams officiating. All friends and family are welcome to come and pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in honor of Lylia to the American Legion
Post 44, in Scottsdale, AZ and/ or to Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Carole Anderson
So sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers to your entire family. We enjoyed seeing her at Post 44. Nick and Carole
Stephanie Haag
From the moment I met Lylia, I admired her. She was a strong and wonderful woman. Jackie was a dear friend and we spent many hours and many stories at the PANG club with Lylia and Keith. Times that I cherish. My heart goes out to Keith and Danny and family. Hugs and warmest thoughts and memories for all.
Donna Moriarty
So saddened to hear of Lylia’s death. She was our great friend and cheerleading rep at manzanita speedway. God keep her safe with Jackie until she can meet again with Keith, Danny and grandchildren that she loved so much
The Moriarty family
Jorge Varela
My deepest condolences Danny and all the family. May God gives you reconciliation and peace, may she rest in peace and may God bless you all . From my family to yours.
Ted La Mantia
Keith and Danny,
We are so sad to hear about Lylia. I will always remember when you guys would come out to California and all of us kids would get to play with Jackie and Danny while you guys would visit with Ron & Lorna. Please know our hearts are with you guys and the grandkids. I know she and Jackie are together again!
Ted and Mary La Mantia and family
Martin Pizzolato
Joyce and I (Marty) were glad to have known Lylia and
for her to tell us stories about her family and travels. We will miss Lylia at the American Legion Post 44.
vickie kosel
To Lylia’s family:
We are so sorry for your loss, Lylia was a lovely, funny lady who will be remembered with love by all who knew her. The quality of knowing her for us was wonderful but the quantity was not nearly long enough.
You are all in our hearts.
Bob and Vickie Kosel
Clay Family
My deepest Condolences go to the family.