Earlene E. Thomas, age 73, of Richmond, died Thursday afternoon (October 22, 2009) at Golden Living Center - Golden Rule. She was born in Hollandsburg, Ohio on November 28, 1935 to Earl and Glenna Rowland Rodgers and had lived here most of her life. She was a graduate of Richmond High School and was a retired 25 year employee of the former Howard Johnson's Restaurant where she worked as a waitress and as an assistant manager.. Survivors include her husband of 57 years - Howard Thomas; son - Timothy Thomas of Richmond; daughter - Vicki (Rick) Uhl of Lafayette, Indiana; sisters - Margaret (Ralph) Smith of New Madison, Ohio and Phyllis O'Brien of Celina, Ohio; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; two special "brothers" - James (Diana) Phillips of Connersville and Mark (Janet) Phillips of Richmond. A son, Steven Thomas, is also deceased. Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday (October 27, 2009) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Pastor Mark Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call on Monday (October 26, 2009) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. www.riggle-waltermann.com