Mary A. Thomas

Mary Ann Thomas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with our Lord on April 18, 2011. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 28, 1913, the youngest of six children. After graduation from Catholic schools, Mary Ann worked in the garment industry before marrying Victor Raab on September 5, 1936. Mary Ann and Victor decided to travel "Route 66" to California where two daughters and a son were born. They moved to Washington where another daughter was born. After Mr. Raab's death in 1945, Mary Ann raised their four children by herself. As the children grew, she attended Centralia College, then began employment with the former Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles. It was at this time that Mary Ann met and married Cecil Thomas of Anchorage, Alaska. While living in Anchorage, Cecil and Mary Ann learned to be motel managers, and upon returning to Washington, managed motels in Port Angeles and Bremerton. They also enjoyed seeing the Northwest in their RV on their days off. Mr. Thomas passed away in 1983.

Mary Ann was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She loved boxing and baseball---especially the Seattle Mariners---and dancing. Mary Ann was an active participant and volunteer at the Olympia Senior Center and Thurston County Food Bank and was also a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brothers Frank, Otto, Louis, and Joe, sister Anne, and sons-in-law Kim Davis and Cliff Payne.

Surviving relatives include: daughters, Diane Payne, Joanne (Bob) Davis, and Valerie (Don) Myer; son, Duane Raab; granddaughters, Karen (Muir) Harding and Denelle (Jason) Baker; grandsons, Bryan (Cheryl) Payne and Bryce (Hannah) Payne; great-grandchildren, James, Catherine, and Emily Harding; Braden Baker; and Jeremy and Anthony Payne.

Memorial contributions may be made to Providence St. Peter Foundation, NODA Program, 413 Lilly Road NE, Lacey, WA 98506.

Services will be at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.