Mary Thomas, 97, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on April 26, 2021 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines.
Mary Lucille Thomas, nee Ganley, was born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 3, 1923. She was the daughter of William Joseph Ganley and Florence Gertrude Fisher.
Mary lived her entire life in Des Moines, where she graduated from East High in 1941. Mary married Vernon Thomas on August 8, 1942. For most of her life Mary was a homemaker but did work a handful of years for the Des Moines School System in the cafeteria at Merrill Junior High. Mary was also a tireless volunteer at St. John’s Catholic Church and Catholic School. Mary and her husband, Vern, enjoyed camping and socializing with friends made through their avid camping. One of Mary’s biggest joys in life was her family. She was never too busy to help her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren. After her husband passed away, Mary moved to Mercy Park Apartments. During her time there, Mary made many new friends and enjoyed living there. Seven years ago, Mary moved to Martina Place Assisted Living in Johnston. While there, she enjoyed playing bingo and visiting her neighboring residents.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Stephen Thomas, 4 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In death, Mary rejoins her mother, father, husband, brother, sister and 1of her great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. also at the Merle Hay Funeral Home with interment at Chapel Hill Gardens. Memorials may be directed to the family.
