Benjamin Thomas

St. George, Utah—Benjamin Price Thomas, age 33, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday December 23, 2014.  He was born March 18, 1981 in American Falls, Idaho to Charles Eric Thomas and Debby Price Thomas.

Ben was raised in Washington, California, and Idaho.  He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1999. After serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Copenhagen, Denmark, he graduated with an Associates Degree from BYU-I and then continued on to Brigham Young University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Finance.  While attending BYU Provo he met and fell in love with Jena Green.  They were married in the St. George LDS Temple on August 14, 2004.

Upon graduation, Ben and Jena moved to St. George where he worked for Porter & Associates as an appraiser.  In June 2010 they welcomed their daughter Emmerson into the world.  Jena and Emmy are the light in Ben’s life.

Ben was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) in fall 2010.  Early on in Ben’s diagnosis he made it very clear that ALS might take his physical body, but he refused to let it take his joy and happiness.  If you knew Ben, he truly was happy.  He said it best when he said, “Happiness is a choice, and I choose to be happy.”

Ben wanted to thank everyone for the love and support shown to him and his family.  The MDA for all the support and equipment provided. To his friends, near and far, ward members, and especially his family for all they’ve done for him.

Ben is survived by his wife Jena Thomas and his daughter Emmerson Elizabeth Thomas who reside in St. George.  His parents, Eric and Debby Thomas, Idaho Falls, Idaho.  His siblings, Jayne (Shawn) Crook and five children, Lyndsey (Brian) Durst and three children, Charlie, Matt, and Katelyn (Cory) Beck and one child.

He is also survived by his in-laws who truly were family to Ben, Michael and Sharilyn Green, St. George and siblings, Nate (Keith), Jared (Danielle), Mark, Michelle, and Jessica.

Ben was preceded in death by Grandpa Kleal Price, Grandma Jayne Price, Grandpa Charles Thomas, and nephew Christian Michael Green.

Funeral services will be on Saturday December 27th at 11 a.m. in the Washington Fields LDS Stake Center located at 1295 South 3000 East, St. George, Utah with a viewing prior to services starting at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing on Friday evening the 26th of December from 6-8 p.m. at the same location. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary 435-674-5000.