Leila DeFrance Thomas, 101, departed this life April 15 following a brief illness. Patriotic and passionate about history, she gave talks to area groups on historical and holiday themes, the last at the age of 99. She was a member of Canton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and served many years as gift shop manager for the McKinley Museum.

She is preceded in death by her parents Franklin Burdette and Nancy Elizabeth (VanDerlin) Moore; and is survived by her son Harold David (Lucinda) Thomas of Columbus, Ohio. There will be no calling hours. She will be interred at Greentown Cemetery in a private service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Benevolent Fund of Canton Christian Home. Please sign the tribute page.