Elise Thomas

Our Mother, Elise Mae Thomas, AKA: Elise Thomas-Romo (74), passed away peacefully on May 16, 2014 surrounded by her family after a long illness. Elise was born in Leupp, Arizona on June 25, 1939, on the Navajo Reservation, but grew up on Salt River Reservation just east of Phoenix. Her Father is of Navajo descent and her Mother is of Pima Descent.

She attended Scottsdale High School and Scottsdale Community College. Elise carried on the family tradition and trade of Silversmithing and Lapidary arts. She enjoyed listening to opera music and was an avid rock hound. Elise was active in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and pushed for higher education for the children of the Community. She served on the Tribes Education/School Board for several years. She made visits to the Boarding Schools where children of the tribe were attending High School, checking on their progress and welfare, and in doing so, traveling to various states.

She was also active in her religious life. She served as president of the Catholic Church Board at St. Frances Mission, where her and her children would decorate the church for the Holiday season which she enjoyed very much.

Our Mother, being a witness to the discrimination to the Minorities and Indian Peoples in this country, she stood up for the Civil Rights of all persons in everything she accomplished in her lifetime and instilled this in her children.

She is survived by her daughters Ginger Thomas, Candice Thomas and Doris Mike; Her son, Jeffrey Thomas; Sister Chrysteen Osif; Grandchildren Nathan Gonzales, Hanna Gonzales and Arlen Mike.

She will be sorely missed by her Family, Friends and pets.