Barbara J. Thomas, 83, of 67 Wild Cherry Road, died Friday, December 19, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  A native of Buncombe County, she was born October 2, 1925 to the late R.C. Thomas and Olivia Lyda Thomas.

     A graduate of the St. Mary’s Business College in Raleigh, she retired in 1986 after working for many years in the administration department at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

     Ms. Thomas was well known for her love of animals and for her relentless efforts to improve and maintain the proper care and welfare of all types of animals.  Her efforts were not only concentrated in the Asheville and Buncombe County areas, but extended to the mistreatment of animals world-wide.  She was a long time member of the Asheville Kennel Club.  Barbara worked tirelessly with animal humane organizations in Asheville and Buncombe County to help insure the proper treatment and care of abandoned animals and placing adopted animals in good homes.

     For many years, Barbara raised and showed Siberian Husky dogs and was the owner of several grand champions.  Her love of dogs was not exclusive to pure bred and registered dogs.  Many stray dogs of the Asheville area found a loving home because of the compassion she showed.  She would either allow the abandoned dogs to live out their lives with her or with a close and trusted friend that shared her love of animals.

     A graveside service will be held 2:00PM, Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher, NC with The Rev. Victor C. Mansfield officiating. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Full Moon Farm, P.O. Box 1548, Black Mountain, NC 28711.  The Full Moon Farm is a sanctuary for wolf dogs and captive wolves.