April Thomas Obituary

April Marie Thomas, 59, of Auxvasse, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025 at Boone Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
April was born in Seoul, South Korea on April 5, 1966. Her adoption as a young child by Nancy (Parker) Erickson and Robert Erickson completed their growing family. Her Midwestern farm upbringing fostered a strong work ethic and compassion for every living thing around her.
April had a heart big enough to hold every stray animal she met. Her home was always full of rescued pets, each one loved deeply and cared for as part of the family. Her compassion for animals was just one of the many ways she showed her generous spirit.
She enjoyed the comforts of home, especially watching police procedurals and cooking shows. But her favorite pastime was reliving memories through home movies of her daughters, precious moments she had carefully preserved from old VHS tapes.
In February of 2000, April experienced the loss of her daughter Kirsten Thomas, who passed away at the age of 14. Though deeply affected, she continued to live with strength and purpose, honoring Kirsten's memory throughout her life.
In high school April excelled at Future Homemakers of America and Future Business Leaders of America, and she continued in these pursuits as a bookkeeper, food service worker, data entry operator, and cosmetologist until suffering disabling strokes in 2001. Most recently, she worked with teenaged girls as a house mother at Missouri Girls Town.
Despite her difficulties, April never stopped taking pride in the things that were important to her. She canned her own green beans and tomatoes, a labor of love she never gave up on, no matter how difficult it was. After every family meal, she was always the last to leave the kitchen, determined to do her part and help others feel cared for.
More than anything, April treasured her family. Her greatest joy in recent years was watching her grandson grow and thrive. His laughter, milestones, and everyday moments brought light to her life, and she treasured every second she spent with him.
Those who remain to cherish April's memory are her parents, Robert and Nancy Erickson; daughter, Rebecca McMillan (Paul); fiancé, Arnold Adkisson; sister, Laura Carter (James) and their daughter, Emma Carter; brother, Timothy Erickson (Nancy) and their children Grace Butler and Parker Erickson; sister, Heather Erickson and her son Clayton Hurlburt; and her grandson, Grayson McMillan.
April was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Kirsten, and her sister, Jana Erickson.
Graveside services will be held at Auxvasse Cemetery on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Jim Graham officiating. Following the service, friends and family can gather at the Auxvasse Community Center to share memories and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the animal rescue organization Columbia Second Chance, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com
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