Melba Jeanette Thomas

Melba Jeanette Thomas passed away Saturday, August 29, in Grapevine. Born May 28, 1924, in Franklin, to Joseph Frank Rasler and Viola Rasler, Melba grew up in Hempstead. She attended Hempstead High School, where she was a member of the band and a beauty queen. Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Melba was often asked to sing in church, at weddings and on Christian radio programs.

After high school graduation, Melba moved to Houston, where she attended University of Houston and studied Journalism. While there, she worked as an administrative assistant for C. Jim Stewart & Stevenson and executive assistant to the vice president at Bank of the Southwest. Melba met the love of her life, Thomas Howard Thomas, while on a visit to Freeport with Thomas' cousin. They married in 1949, settling in Lake Jackson and raising two daughters.

A devout Christian, Melba was a founding member of Shady Oaks Assembly of God, where she served as church secretary and taught Sunday school. She was an excellent homemaker, sewing many of her daughter's dresses and regularly preparing delicious meals. Her fruit pies and cobblers were arguably the best in town. Melba loved family vacations to Colorado and outings to the park, beach and Galveston with her grandchildren. She made everyone who visited her home feel welcome, offering a listening ear and, often, a glass of iced tea and a slice of pie. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Melba was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, Joseph Frank Rasler, Jr., and husband of more than 62 years. She is survived by her daughter, Laurie LaClair, and son-in-law, Jim LaClair, of North Richland Hills; and daughter, Carol Adams, son-in-law, Mark Adams, and grandchildren, Melanie, Quentin and Dylan Adams, all of Colleyville.

Services will held Saturday, September 12, at Restwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 1038 West Plantation Drive, in Clute. Visitation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with funeral services at 11:00. Pat Gresham will preside over the services. A reception will follow in the hospitality room.