Ann Thomas, 76, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was a talented homemaker whose life was centred on her family, to whom she was devoted.

Although she had travelled widely, including a period in Singapore, during her husband’s RAF career, she relished her home life and hobbies that included needlework, handicrafts, gardening and reading; she particularly enjoyed autobiographies.

Ann (nee Blacow) was born and raised in Cheshire, with her brother and sister. Their parents acquired and ran a shop in Crewe.

After leaving school Ann worked in the Rolls-Royce salaries department.

She not only had to calculate each employee’s pay, but had to be driven to the bank to collect all the cash, accompanied only by a company chauffeur – with no security guard. Later, having made up the pay packets, she would distribute them on the factory floor.

She and her husband, Eric, who was in the RAF, met when he was stationed in North Wales.

Mr Thomas, who had bought a car for £260, found that it was a magnet to chaps who had no wheels of their own. He reluctantly agreed to drive a colleague to a party in Crewe and, on being introduced to fellow-guest Ann, discovered the love of his life.

They were married within two years, on August 4, 1958, and enjoyed almost 55 years together. Their lives were enriched by the births of their two daughters, and later by two grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

“Ann cherished them all,” said Margaret Price, who officiated at Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon.

The family settled in Wootton Bassett in 1967 and, after completing his RAF career (at Lyneham and Brize Norton) in 1975, Eric worked for BAC at Filton until retirement.

Mrs Thomas, who widened her skills through courses at Swindon College, was employed by Nationwide for 17 years as regional secretary to the regional manager, an influential job which she enjoyed until retirement.

Sadly, Ann suffered a stroke on January 9 and, despite determined efforts, she lost her battle to recover.

The service, which celebrated her life, included poetry, personal tributes from her family, and the hymn Now the Day is Over. Afterwards the congregation was invited to share refreshments and further reminiscences at Blunsdon House Hotel.

Memorial donations for The Stroke Association may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey Funeral Service, 112 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.