Elaine “Ginger” Earley, 83, of Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. She was born in Latrobe on November 20, 1942, to the late Alton and Eltye (Lenhardt) Thomas.
Ginger was an avid artist. She was an accomplished florist, dry wreath arranger, folk artist, musician, and painter. She was also a successful businesswoman, having owned and operated Mountain Greenery and later the Ginger Jar until her retirement in 2008.
She is survived by her two daughters Bonnie Painter of Shelocta and Cathy Biro, and son Eric (Alice Drozdiak) Earley of Durham, NC; brothers Daniel (Kathie) Thomas and David (Ellen) Thomas, and 2 granddaughters (Phoebe & Merel) and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ginger was preceded in death by siblings Donald Thomas, Richard Thomas, Marilyn Hill, and Roselind Thomas.
A service will be planned at a later date for friends and family, with arrangements being entrusted to the care of Donahue Tylinski Funeral Home, Inc.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.donahuetylinski.com.
