Deidra Rhae Thomas

Deidra Rhae Thomas, 57, passed away on November 18, 2025.

She was born in Louisiana on September 22, 1968, to James Thomas and Vera Choate Thomas. Deidra was a woman of many passions. She enjoyed knitting, board games, D&D tabletop role-playing, crafting, reading, traveling, dancing, baking, watching movies, and sharing a drink with friends and family. Most of all, she loved being by the ocean.

Deidra earned her Master of Science degree and spent 30 years as a dedicated biology teacher. She cared deeply for her students and took great pride in nurturing their curiosity and love of learning.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Steve Ray; her son, Garrett Tillman; her daughter, Grace Tillman; and the father of her children, Kyle Tillman.

A celebration of life will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Suzanne Wright for her care and compassion.