Lisa Wells-Thomas (1932 – 2026)

Lisa Wells-Thomas, a woman of fierce independence, boundless adventure, and enduring strength, passed away peacefully in Medford, Oregon, at the age of 93.

Lisa was born on August 13, 1932, in Bedford, Virginia. Growing up as the middle sister of five girls, her household was undoubtedly full of life, laughter, and strong women. From an early age, she possessed a vibrant spirit and a deep love for the arts, which led her to pursue higher education and major in music. After graduation, she dedicated the first chapter of her professional life to inspiring others, working as a school teacher for the San Diego Unified School District. She later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education.

Never one to stay still for too long, Lisa's life was defined by exploration. She spent years living in San Diego before moving to Grants Pass, Oregon, with her husband, Bill, following her retirement from teaching. Together, they built a beautiful home from the ground up and established a lively sheep farm, embracing the rewards of rural life.

She was a proud, lifelong feminist who always spoke her mind and fiercely valued her autonomy. Known for her unfiltered honesty and practical outlook on life, her favorite piece of advice to anyone carrying unnecessary worry was simply, “let that shit go.” She traveled the world extensively, collecting vibrant experiences and stories from all over the globe.

While Lisa never had children of her own, she poured her love, energy, and adventurous spirit into her nieces, nephews, and those who called her Grandma. To them, she wasn’t just an aunt; she was the orchestrator of countless fun, unforgettable adventures, ensuring that the younger generations learned to view the world with the same curiosity and wonder that she did.

Lisa approached aging with the same grit and determination that defined her youth. Well into her 90s, she maintained an admirable dedication to her physical well-being. She practiced yoga daily and made a strict point to get down on the floor and back up every single day to maintain her strength. While she committed herself to a healthy lifestyle, she also firmly believed in enjoying life's simple pleasures, and she never turned down a scoop of ice cream or a sip of Bailey’s.

After Bill passed away, Lisa moved to Medford, Oregon, where she lived at the Rogue Valley Manor. In 2020, she decided to return to independent living and moved into her own home. Lisa had a remarkable, natural talent for decorating, and she spent her time beautifully styling her final residence to perfectly reflect her elegant taste. This home is where she spent her final days.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, sharp wit, and a reminder to live life entirely on one's own terms. Lisa is survived by her oldest sister, Jeanne May, and her younger sisters, Martha Fredericks and Verna Story. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lee Wells.

In honor of Lisa's memory and her love for animals, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Southern Oregon Humane Society