Mae Deen Thomas

Mae Deen (Gafford) Thomas, 91, of Ellensburg, WA, passed away February 25, 2012, in Ellensburg. Mae Deen was born in Beaver, Oklahoma, on July 29, 1920. Mae Deen grew up & attended schools in Oklahoma and Ellensburg, WA, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1938.

She married William C. Thomas in Ellensburg, WA, in 1939. He preceded her in death in 2000. Mae Deen worked for Pick Sweet Foods during WWII, Ellensburg Credit Bureau, Ellensburg Telephone, Superior Cleaners, Cascade Natural Gas, and Yakima 2 Realty Companies in Oregon.

Mae Deen was a member of American Legion Auxiliary 8 & 40 and Phythian Sisters. She enjoyed raising her sons, basketball, track, boating, and RV camping.

Survivors include her sons, Dr. Byron (Billie DeWilde)Thomas of Ellensburg, and W. Deen (Judy) Thomas of Portland, OR; sister, Opal Ellison of Kennewick, WA; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. (Bill) Thomas; parents, Solomon Morse and Gertrude (Richards) Gafford; and her brothers, Kenneth Gafford and Dee Gafford.

A private graveside service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Courtyard by Marriot Hotel in Clackamas, OR. Steward& Williams Tribute Center in Ellensburg is in care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.steward-williams.com.