Mary Ellen Thomas

Mary Ellen Thomas, age 96, of Paola, Kansas passed away February 12, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society, Olathe. Mary Ellen was born on May 6, 1922, in Norton, Kansas, to parents Seth Stafford Antrim and Silence Olive (Rundel) Antrim. Mary Ellen spent her childhood in Norton, where she graduated high school. On January 4, 1944, Mary Ellen was united in marriage with Vergil C. Thomas in Densmore, KS. They lived in various towns throughout Kansas and became the parents of five children, settling in Paola in 1953. During her life, Mary Ellen devoted herself to raising her family. Additionally, she was a business woman. During the 1960's and early 1970's, she owned Paola Credit Bureau and Collections. In 1968, Mary Ellen and her husband, Vergil, began construction on Thomas Trailer Town, which they owned and operated until it was sold to their son, Doyle, in 1985. Mary Ellen was a member of the First Baptist Church, Paola, KS, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the West Valley Pleasant Hour Club. She loved to write poetry, read, play pool, work crossword puzzles, and spend time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister, two brothers, her sons, Robert and James, her grandson, Mark, and her son-in-law, Terry Riebe. She is survived by her son, Doyle (Glenda) Thomas of Paola, daughter, Marlene Riebe of Paola, daughter, Marita (Randy) Thomas of Lake Pomme de Terre, MO, eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren, a sister, Jo Ann Apple of Pensacola, FL, and many other relatives and friends. To share your memories of Mary Ellen or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click on the Share a Memory tab.