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Mary Thomas Obituary
A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL JUST GOT HER WINGS!
Mary Ann Thomas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with our Lord on April 18, 2011. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 28, 1913, the youngest of six children. After graduation from Catholic schools, Mary Ann worked in the garment industry before marrying Victor Raab on September 5, 1936. Mary Ann and Victor decided to travel "Route 66" to California where two daughters and a son were born. They moved to Washington where another daughter was born. After Mr. Raab's death in 1945, Mary Ann raised their four children by herself. As the children grew, she attended Centralia College, then began employment with the former Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles. It was at this time that Mary Ann met and married Cecil Thomas of Anchorage, Alaska. While living in Anchorage, Cecil and Mary Ann learned to be motel managers, and upon returning to Washington, managed motels in Port Angeles and Bremerton. They also enjoyed seeing the Northwest in their RV on their days off. Mr. Thomas passed away in 1983.
Mary Ann was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She loved boxing and baseball---especially the Seattle Mariners---and dancing. Mary Ann was an active participant and volunteer at the Olympia Senior Center and Thurston County Food Bank and was also a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brothers Frank, Otto, Louis, and Joe, sister Anne, and sons-in-law Kim Davis and Cliff Payne.
Surviving relatives include: daughters, Diane Payne, Joanne (Bob) Davis, and Valerie (Don) Myer; son, Duane Raab; granddaughters, Karen (Muir) Harding and Denelle (Jason) Baker; grandsons, Bryan (Cheryl) Payne and Bryce (Hannah) Payne; great-grandchildren, James, Catherine, and Emily Harding; Braden Baker; and Jeremy and Anthony Payne.
Memorial contributions may be made to Providence St. Peter Foundation, NODA Program, 413 Lilly Road NE, Lacey, WA 98506.
Services will be at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Thomas
4 Entries
Melody Ray
April 21, 2011
Dear Duane ~
My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to all the Raab family on the loss of your beloved Mother. Although I was never fortunate to have personally met her, she surely must have been a very strong, wonderful and loving woman to have raised four wonderful children by herself. You are a shining example of her loving and nurturing spirit. May you keep the beautiful, shared memories of her long life in your hearts to comfort and sustain you at this difficult time. She may be gone from this Earth, but not from your Hearts.
Deep Peace of the Running Wave to You
Deep Peace of the Flowing Air to You
Deep Peace of the Quiet Earth to You
Deep Peace of the Shining Stars to You
Deep Peace of the Gentle Night to You,
Moon and Stars Pour Their Healing Light on You
Deep Peace of the Infinite Peace to You
April 21, 2011
Val and Family,
What a "special" lady to have accomplished so much in her life. She was blessed with a long life, full of adventure and activities she so enjoyed. What wonderful memories you must all have - may they comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Love,
Terri and David
April 21, 2011
Valerie, Denelle, and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Miss Mary Ann Thomas was really one-of-a-kind. She was such an inspiration to me; showing me that age is just a number and that life is for the living. I can still see her pulling up in that blue Pacer, dressed to a "T" with her make-up done just right, perfectly matched jewelery and Minnie close by her side. I know she will be sorely missed, but now she can dance in her heels again. God bless you and comfort you.
J.J.
Shary and Roger Dyer
April 21, 2011
My dear Joanne,
I remember all of your stories about your Mom kicking up her feet dancing and enjoying life. Now she can enjoy life on The Golden Streets in Heaven!
Love to you and blessings to your family!
Rog and Shary!
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Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park5725 Littlerock Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512
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