Iona Sue “Nanny” Knell Thomas, 63, of Vanceburg, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio.
She was born in Lewis County on April 29, 1963, a daughter of the late James and Ida Smith Knell.
Iona enjoyed visiting Carter Caves, drinking coffee, and watching her grandchildren play on the rocks.
Survivors include her companion of 41 years, James Floyd Lewis; three daughters, Denise (Joe) Tharp of Greenup, Jill (Tim) Caudill of Morehead, and Melinda (Michael) Claxon of Vanceburg; one sister, Doris Thomas of Vanceburg; 11 grandchildren, Brandon Caudill, Marisa Tharp, Trista Moore, Joanna Thurman, Christian Tharp, Tyler Caudill, McKenzie Case, Ethan Caudill, Kayden Case, Karlie Lewis, and Khloey Claxon; eight great-grandchildren; and two special friends, Barb Rickett and Sheila Lewis.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Connie Leadingham, and four brothers, Johnny Knell, Delbert Knell, Phillip Knell, and Timmy Knell.
Services will be at Noon Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Globe Family Funeral Chapel, 7975 Lower Kinney Road at Camp Dix, with Bro. Daniel Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Bald Point Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, and after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Kayden Case, Christian Tharp, Brandon Caudill, Tyler Caudill, Ethan Caudill, and Cordell Thurman.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefamilyfc.com.
