Mary Estella Thomas

Mary retired from GenCorp (General Tire and Rubber) in 1997 and as a Paper Carrier for the Evansville Courier in 2007. She loved sitting on her front porch and waving to neighbors and visiting with family. She loved playing dominos and doing puzzles.

Mary is survived by her son, Darwin “Russ” Ritzert of Stockton, MO; daughters, Rebecca Hawes and Barbara VanZant (Tim) of Mt. Vernon, IN; and Shelena Thomas of Kentucky; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and by her brother, Levi "Bud" Bollinger (Karen) of Agency, MO.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and the love of her life, Art Thomas; her first husband and father of her children, Delbert Ritzert Sr.; her children, Mary Rose Porter, Delbert “Charlie” Ritzert, Jr., David W. Ritzert, Karen Ritzert, Teresa Hawes, and Randy Thomas; granddaughter, Amanda (Ritzert) Baker; her siblings, Tom Bollinger, Burke Bollinger, and Bettye Craft.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Linda E. White Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or ALS Association.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Cottage at Mt. Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation and at Linda E. White Hospice for the excellent care given to Mom / Grandma.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois Street, Evansville, IN. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Bobby Cox. Mary’s final resting place will be at Park Lawn Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.