Tana Jean Thomas

Tana Jean Thomas, 75, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 following heart surgery and an extended hospital stay. Tana was beloved by a wide circle of family and friends, and her absence leaves a gap in all our lives.

Tana was born in 1946 to Dr. Morton Ralph and Helen Grace Crew, in Leon, IA, and grew up in Decatur, IL. A 1964 MacArthur High graduate, she attended the University of Iowa and Southern Illinois University. She was married to Lloyd Leabhard from 1968 – 1980. They lived in Boulder, CO, and adopted a daughter, Stacey, in 1974.

Tana moved to Santa Barbara, CA, in 1982, and married Cal Thomas there in 1984. She worked as an escrow assistant and traveling notary. After her retirement she volunteered with CASA and the Goleta hospital auxiliary. She and Cal were members of the Elks and took many RV trips with the Caravaneers. She was also a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon.

Tana lived a life full of laughter and love. She is survived by her husband Cal, daughter Stacey (Willy) Voigt, stepsons Brian and Cal, sisters Vee Ann (Paul) Cartwright  and Sally (Lou) Farone, grandchildren Sarah (Aaron) Culley, Kyler Thomas, and Emma Voigt,  five great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Morton and Helen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local CASA chapter or to the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Auxiliary. Memorial services will be June 18 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara.