Grace H. Thomas

Grace was born to Edwin and Grace Slick in Salem. She attended Sacred Heart Academy and graduated from Salem High School in 1945. Grace had numerous jobs, including being an usherette at the movie theatre and a sales clerk at the old Newberry’s store downtown.

In 1948 she met a sailor Frank (Van) Vanderburg of Phoenix, Arizona, who was the best buddy and shipmate of her brother Ray during World War II. Grace and Frank fell in love and married in 1950. In 1951 they had a son, who they also named Frank. In 1952 while living in San Diego, California, Van died as the result of an accident. Grace returned to Salem.

In 1955 she met and married the second love of her life, Dillard (Tom) Thomas. They had four daughters: Donna, Eileen, Annie, and Nancy. Tom and his brother Wes owned and operated Thomas Bros. Land Clearing and his work can be seen all over the Willamette Valley. Tom died as the result of an accident at home in 1981.

Grace remained in the home she loved in West Salem for many years. The West Salem home was her pride and joy, and everyone was welcome. The house was known as a happy place, and Grace loved to have parties. Her Christmas Eve “Open House” was the highlight of the year, and many people made it part of their holiday plans.

In 2002 Grace moved to Orchard House in Mt Angel. The loving care provided by the staff at Orchard House made the last eleven years another chapter in the wonderful journey that was her life, and we deeply appreciate the love and care they gave to our mother.

On Valentine’s Day, God came to take Grace home. She was preceded in death by her brothers Ray, Frank, Ed, and Jerry, sisters Annette and Mary, and Grandson Jake.

She is survived by her son, Frank (wife Judy), and daughters, Donna, Eileen (husband Dave), Annie (husband Bill), Nancy and six grandchildren: Marcie, Megan, Garrett, Winston, Everett, and Eleanor Grace.

Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, February 22nd. There will be Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass. A reception will follow at the church.

Graveside Services will be held at Restlawn Cemetery following the reception. On Saturday, February 23rd, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Orchard House, 550 S. Main St., Mt. Angel at 12:00 noon. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willamette Valley Humane Society in Salem.

Arrangements made by Howell Edwards Doerksen Funeral Home.