Mary Thomas

Mary Annette Thomas, 83, of Mexico, died at 11:50 p.m., Sunday June 20, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her children.

She was born June 1, 1927, in Decatur, Ill., daughter of Charles F. and Belle Dunkel. After graduating from high school in 1945 she attended Milliken University in Decatur. On April 13, 1947, she married Stanley L. Thomas in Decatur. They moved to Mexico in March of 1951 where they made their home together. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1980.

Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Rauch (John) of Denver, Colo., Joselyn Furlow (David), of Dallas, Tex., and Kelly Shevitz (Mark) of Ladue, Mo.; four sons, Brent (Nell-deceased) Thomas of Gladstone, Mo., Greg (Paulette) Thomas of Baytown, Tex., Charles Chuck (Becky) Thomas of Belton, Mo., and Douglas (Pat) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one sister, Jackie Sward (Roderic) of Winterpark, Fla.; 12 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and two nieces. She also leaves behind a host of lifelong friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and daughter-in-law, Nell Thomas.

Mary loved her animals, flowers, bird watching in her yard, playing bridge, sewing, and was active in the Prairie Pine Quilt Guild. She taught Tole painting for many years, was involved in the Lincoln Day Celebrations, Pachyderms, helped startthe Mexico AARP Chapter,and was a charter member of the May Day Golf Group. Mrs. Thomas was one of the first Ambassadors for the Mexico Chamber of Commerce and served for many years as both a Girl and Boy Scout Leader. In addition, she was a volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary, was an Election Judge for over 50 years and served as a committee woman for the Republican Party for over two decades. In 2001 she received an award recognizing her outstanding work and dedication from the party. She was a member of the First Christian Church since 1951 where she served as a deaconess and a board member.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2010, at the First Christian Church with a reception to celebrate her life following the service in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Mexico Animal Shelter, First Christian Church Education Fund, or The Help Center. They may be sent in care Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N Western, Mexico, MO 65265