Janet Rounsaville Thomas

Janet Rounsaville Thomas

 Our beloved mother, wife and friend passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025. Janet lived her life quick to laugh and full of love. Janet was born on Friday the 13th in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Delbert and Deane Rounsaville. Janet grew up in Ardmore alongside her sisters Sharon and Kathy. 

Janet’s love of literature and learning was evident throughout her life. Janet earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Oklahoma State University and then a Masters in Library Science from the University of Oklahoma. Janet’s true career passion was helping children love books and making children’s literature come alive in the library. Janet spent over 20 years as librarian at Lincoln Elementary in Norman. 

The majority of her adult life she lived in Norman, raising her daughter Jenny and step-daughter Toby with her husband Cliff. Janet and Cliff met while playing tennis in Norman. Janet was happily married to her loving husband Cliff for 34 years. Throughout their years together they enjoyedspending time with friends, attending concerts, traveling and attending First Christian Church. 

One of their favorite travel destinations was Fort Worth, Texas where their two granddaughters Eleanor and Emily live. Nana was a role Janet was born to fill. Janet excelled at knitting sweaters and sewing clothing for the girls. Each granddaughter received a handmade alphabet scrapbook with photos from their favorite places. Many hours were spent cooking and baking in Nana’s kitchen and swimming in her pool.

 Throughout her years of volunteering with Junior League, Assistance League and PEO, it was her work with children that brought her the most joy. Projects like Operation School Bell where she was able to assist children in picking out clothes were her absolute favorite. Later in life she enjoyed being a member of the Norman Rotary alongside her husband Cliff.

 Anyone that spent time with Janet heard her laugh. One group that heard her laugh often was her friends of the Birthday Club. This group of ladies meant the world to Janet. Lunches, dinners, and travel together over the years added so much color to her life. Thank you Birthday Club.

 Janet is survived by her husband Cliff Thomas; daughter Jennifer and son in law Rollie Schafer and her granddaughters Eleanor and Emily, her step-daughter Toby Thomas and daughter-in-law Amanda, and step-daughter Alicia Yeoman. Her sisters Sharon and husband Sam Veazey of Ardmore and Kathy and husband Steve Finn of Dallas and their families; nieces and nephews and countless friends. 

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at First Christian Church of Norman on Saturday, March 22 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Assistance League of Norman, Operation School Bell.