Sara Sally Josephine (Rahe) Thomas

Sally was born June 29,1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Helen Marie and Paul Anthony Rahe. She was raised in Tulsa and attended the University of Oklahoma. There she joined Pi Beta Phi, Orchesis Dance Club, Ducks Synchronized Swimming Club, and the Pick and Hammer Geology Club. Sally graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

Upon graduation, Sally worked as a petroleum geologist for Humble Oil Company in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was there she met Robert “Bob” Thomas at a well logging seminar. She is a past member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

In 1958 she married Bob Thomas. Following the birth of their daughters, Mary, Laura, Suzanne and Kristen, her life centered primarily around family and volunteer activities. The family moved from Wichita Falls, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1961. Following Bob’s assignment to Tenneco Oil and Minerals Ltd., the family moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1969. There Sally shared her love of the outdoors and synchronized swimming with her daughters. While in Canada, the family frequently camped and hiked in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. In 1973, the family moved to Houston, Texas.

During the empty nest years, Sally and Bob travelled abroad extensively, visiting, Britain, Israel, Turkey, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Oman, Japan, and Iceland to name just a few. They went on an African Safari and sailed the Caribbean on a privately captained yacht.

For many years, Sally was an American and Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and taught swimming lessons. She was involved in Girl Scouts as a troop and camping leader and organized the Learn to Swim programs in both Oklahoma City and Houston. She coached the Shamrock Hilton Corkettes Synchronized Swimming Team that competed at both the US Nationals and Junior Olympics.

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sally shared her love for geology and mineralogy as a docent for the Perkins and Ann Sams Mineral Hall, and the Ebby Hall of Minerology. She was a lifetime Museum member.

For countless years, Sally was a volunteer at the non-profit organization, Houston Hospice, who provided compassionate care for her mother, her husband, and even herself in her final days. The Betty Evans Award was presented to Sally for her service as a patient volunteer, office volunteer, and President of the Board. She was the first honoree of the Houston Hospice Butterfly Luncheon which raised funds for their Pediatric Hospice Care. In addition, Sally and Bob were awarded the Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award.

Sally and Bob were also actively involved with the YMCA of Greater Houston. The YMCA honored them by naming a cabin at Camp Cullen the “Thomas Cabin.” As a parishioner of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, Sally served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, Sally was a Fellow of the Patron Program and a Trustee of the Retina Research Foundation.

Sally was an avid bridge player. She played socially in several bridge groups and competitively in the American Contract Bridge League. She loved teaching bridge lessons and set up Marathon Bridge programs for the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, the Museum of Natural Science, and church.

In spite of her accomplishments and accolades, intelligence and beauty, Sally was down to earth. A loyal friend, she maintained many meaningful lifelong friendships. She taught her daughters to define themselves, not to be defined. Strong-willed and hard-working, she cared deeply for those blessed to be her friends and family. Sally was a faithful Catholic. Jesus and His Mother Mary were Sally’s comforters and guides.

Sally is survived by her brothers William Rahe (Libby), Paul Rahe (Laura); her children Mary Thomas, Laura Thomas (John Fenn), Kristen Herndon (Keith); her son-in-law Ben Shaw; her grandchildren Trent Herndon, Ruby Shaw, Jasper Shaw; her step-grandchildren Samantha Fenn (Benjamin Overby), Michael Fenn; and her step-great-grandchildren Riley Overby, Ryan Overby, Raiya Overby. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bob Thomas; her daughter Suzanne Thomas; and her step-grandson Nicholas Fenn.

Sally was blessed with exceptional caregivers including her loving daughter Kristen, which allowed Sally to remain in her home until her final days. We are so thankful for their kind, selfless and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sally may be made to:

Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030, https://www.houstonhospice.org/donate/

YMCA of Greater Houston, P.O. Box 3007, Houston, TX 77253, https://ymcahouston.org/give-form

The family is grateful for your countless expressions of love, prayer, and support shown during this time of loss.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14th beginning at 4:00 pm followed by a Vigil Service with a Rosary at 6:00 pm, at Earthman Funeral Directors at Hunters Creek, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, January 15th, at 10:30 am at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow in the church’s Parish Hall.

Graveside service will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday, January 17th at 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery, in the “Our Sorrowful Mother” section, 9101 S. Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137.