On Sept. 12, 2021, there was a joyous reunion when Dorothy Kay Thomas (Rudduck) passed away and joined her son Jimmy Thomas, who preceded her in death (2018).

Dorothy was born Jan. 29, 1946, in Marble, Minnesota to George Rudduck and Mary Rudduck (Picek). Dorothy was 75 years old and she and her husband, Charles "Tex" Thomas had spent nearly 50 years living in Boron, California.

Dorothy was a United States Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam war and met Tex while they were stationed together at Fort McClellan in Alabama. The two were married Oct.23, 1971. Dorothy and Tex had two sons who became the center of Dorothy's life, William "Billy" Thomas, and James "Jimmy" Thomas. Dorothy drove carpools, attended field trips and became a fixture at sporting events. Dorothy loved reading, learning and educating. She was an incredibly accomplished scholar, having earned multiple degrees including a Master of Business Administration.

Dorothy devoted most of her professional career to the youth of her community. She worked as an instructional aide for Boron High School and West Boron Elementary School for nearly 27 years. Dorothy was an exceptionally gifted craftsperson. She sewed, crocheted, leather worked, made candles, baked, painted, made ceramics, made jewelry, nearly anything she tried she was immediately great at. Dorothy spent the later years of her life ensuring these lost arts would be passed on to younger generations, especially to her family.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Charles "Tex" Thomas; son, William "Billy" Thomas; daughter-in-law, Carol-Ann Thomas (Hewes); and grandchildren, Dillon and Dayton Thomas, all of Boron, California; granddaughter, Makayla Thomas (Read) of Lone Pine, California; brother, Richard Rudduck, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister-in-law, Helen Rudduck, of Littleton, Colorado; brother-in-law, Roger Pittard, of Geneva, Nebraska; as well as distant relatives and many close friends who she loved dearly and considered family. Dorothy is preceded in death by son, Jimmy Thomas; parents, George, and Mary Rudduck; brother, George Rudduck; and sister, Mary Olive Pittard.

Dorothy will be interred at Bakersfield National Cemetery on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. A memorial will be held in her honor Oct. 23 – the day of her 50th anniversary – at the Boron Senior's Center at 27177 Twenty Mule Team Road in Boron at noon. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that you contribute to the "Dorothy Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund" established at Alta One Federal Credit Union in Boron benefitting students at Boron High school where Dorothy spent her career.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net. Wood Family Funeral Service requires guests to practice social distancing and face masks/covering are highly recommended.