Marilyn Kay Thomas

Marilyn Kay (Rengers) Thomas, 56, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has begun her next journey as she passed away peacefully in her home at approximately 1:30 p.m. on November 2, 2017. She passed away from her long courageous battle with endometrial cancer with her loved ones by her side. She surpassed all of her doctors’ expectations and gave the fight of her life up to the very end. Her battle with cancer lasted three years and ten months. She never once gave up hope or her faith in God to the very end. Her most common phrase during her battle was, “Let your faith always be bigger than your fear.”

Marilyn was born February 6, 1961, in Cincinnati, OH. She graduated from Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, OH, where she was a softball player and well known for her artistic talents. She then went on to graduate cum laude from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH with a B.A. in Art and a minor in Business Administration. She worked as a freelance artist for over 30 years from her home. Her job was her passion, and she loved what she did with no plans of ever retiring. She worked up to the very end even with stage IV cancer. One of her clients even said, “She was the most dedicated artist that I have ever met. She is truly an inspiration to me!”

Survivors of Marilyn include the love of her life, her husband Gary Thomas, her two adored children Jaclyn Thomas and Zachary Thomas of Indianapolis, her daughter-in-law Shelby (Dunn) Thomas, her granddaughter Emma Thomas and soon-to-be-born granddaughter, Aubrey Thomas, her parents Arthur Rengers and Rosemary (Shalapin) Rengers of Naples, Florida, her siblings Marietta (Rengers) Schubert of Cincinnati, OH, Rose (Rengers) Brock of Nashville, TN, Stephen Rengers of Seattle, WA, and Douglas Rengers of Seattle, WA.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Gary Thomas, on June 6, 1987. She often said that it was the happiest day of her life. They just celebrated 30 years of marriage, and were the ideal image of a loving marriage. Her husband Gary describes her as, “the salt of the earth and his best friend.”

Marilyn enjoyed being with her family and had a passion for cooking, especially when her family got together. Time with family meant the world to her. She always put her family and friends first. In her life, she strived to be completely present. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, playing softball, being creative, shopping, spending time at the beach and being the life of the party. She believed in working hard and playing hard. She lived for her vacations on the beach.

All who knew her loved her, with her beautiful smile, upbeat spirit and wonderful sense of humor. She was a constant beacon of light to all those with whom she came in contact. Her thoughtful, caring way was always an inspiration. She was an inspiration and a great friend to many. She was everyone’s personal “therapist” and cheerleader. She showed everyone that she came in contact with compassion. She was beautiful inside and out and exuded with confidence and positivity. Marilyn was the essence of beauty, grace, a good time and most of all her faith. She had terrific strength through her entire battle and is loved and will be missed by so many. She was an amazing woman!

Marilyn’s visitation will take place on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Little and Sons Funeral Home, 1301 Main St, Beech Grove, IN 46107. We invite everyone to partake in reflecting and speaking on behalf of Marilyn’s life from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. An additional visitation for those that cannot make it Friday evening will be at 11 a.m. at the Nativity Catholic Church (address below) on Saturday.

Her life, too short, but well lived, will be celebrated with all of her family and friends at Marilyn’s funeral mass at Nativity Catholic Church, 7225 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46239, on Saturday November 11, 2017 at 12 p.m.

Immediately following the mass ALL friends and family are invited back to her home for lunch to celebrate her life and to support her family. A shuttle bus will be provided with additional information to follow.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are preferred and may be made to:

• Marilyn’s Medical expenses at www.gofundme.com/teamthomas

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, mail contributions to:

Jennyfer Balkema, 1632 Timberlake Dr, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804

• No Shave November - Team IMPD, which benefits cancer research, treatment and education on preventative measures: https://no-shave.org/member/MarilynThomas

Suggestions on Hotel Arrangements for those coming from out of town:

• Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis South - (317) 885-9799

4650 Southport Crossing Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237

• Holiday Inn Express Indianapolis – Southeast - (317) 791-9100

5302 Victory Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203

• Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis South/Greenwood - (317) 888-4814

5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis, IN 46237