Birth date: Jun 16, 1932 Death date: Apr 20, 2007
Mary Ellen Thomas, age 74, of Spring Lake passed away early Friday, April 20, 2007, at her home. She was born June 16, 1932, in Grand Rapids to John and Mayme (Fritz) Knape, and she married Robert W. Thomas on June 22, 1957, in Ea Read Obituary
To all the Thomas family - and a special note to Terri - I just learned about your mom and I'm so sorry. Just wanted to let you know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Family can be a great strength in times of loss and you certainly have a great one. Miss you!!! LeAnne##imported-begin##LeAnne (Redick) Wilson##imported-end##
Dear Bob & family,
I want you to know what a pleasure and privilege it was for me to spend time with Mary Ellen over the past 8 months. She was always part of the activities or antics that Mickey and I were up to on those afternoons. You and your family were so generous to share her with others. She will always be an inspiration to me. Love, Karyn Streeting##imported-begin##Karyn Streeting##imported-end##
We are sad to hear about Mary Ellen. We happened to run into her in Naples last year at a restaurant named Di Julio's. It was fun to see her and Bob. We also enjoyed running into Bill Smolenski at the cottage in Grand Haven last year. It was fun to reminisce and remember the fun we used to have during those summers in Grand Haven. Our sincere sympathies are with you, Bob and your family. Mary Ellen will be greatly missed. Special hello to Gerry, Dave, Nancy and all of the rest of the family.##imported-begin##Eleanor Den Herder Muir Vander Meiden; Nancy Muir Duggan##imported-end##
Bob and Family,
I was sad to hear the news that MaryEllen lost her fight with cancer.
I know that you will be filled with wondeful memories of a very strong mother and wife.
I am sorry to say that I can't attend the service for her. I am in Arizona and will not be returning until the 30th. of the month.
Janet##imported-begin##Janet Harestad##imported-end##
Mary Ellen was a dear person. We will miss her happy countinence, her always "up" attitude and her friendship. We had great times boating on Spring Lake. Never did get to see her water ski, we could visualize because she often spoke of her days in Florida. I think mostly we'll miss the
Sunday morning breakfasts at the Pine St. Cafe. Those times with the bacon and eggs and Loretta's pancakes, were right up there with the occasions when we could share a cool DeWars. With both Beth and I sharing the bad news of cancer, we learned a lot from Mary Ellen about prayer. She favored us with a prayer blanket. Thankfully the power of prayer and her determined spirit kept her with us over ten times the length the doctors gave her. A good measure of a person is the quality of children she and Bob raised. They are "Ace High" with us. Love Jack & Beth Fettig##imported-begin##Jack & Beth Fettig##imported-end##
To Lisa,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear mother.
I am glad that I was able to provide your mother her "last wish" last summer at the "2006 SLYC Shrimp Boil" with Midge Verplank's help. I would have never had the pleasure of meeting your mother if I did not help you with your quest.
Please know that you and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless!!!
Sincerely,
Stacie L. Stevens##imported-begin##Stacie L. Stevens ##imported-end##
Our deepests thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Love, Julie, Katie and Allison##imported-begin##Julie Fox##imported-end##
We are thinking of all of you at this time. We have toasted Aunt MaryEllen every night at dinner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are sure Janet, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Winnie and Aunt Char and Uncle Matt are up there having a party as we speak. We are keeping you all in our prayers and will see you as soon as we return.
Love, Bill, Millie, JoAnne & Susie##imported-begin##Bill, Millie, JoAnne & Susie##imported-end##
Mary Ellen was my best friend when we were three, before the big family move to Plymouth Road. I remember her as bubbly full of enthusiasm and a lover of children. I believe she always looked forward to having children of her own. Since I lost track of her after age 13, after we both left Marywood Academy, it's nice to know she had six of her own (keeping up the Knape tradition!) and 15 grandkids. It doesn't surprise me to learn that she was an expert water skiier and snow skiier. She was always athletic: got voted as having best legs in junior high! (All girl vote)
So sad to hear of her death. Moreen Devroy informed me. To me Mary Ellen always stood for life.
--Marilyn Ann (Rauschenberger) Moore##imported-begin##Marilyn Rauschenberger Moore##imported-end##
To the Thomas Family;
What a shock to read about your Mom in the fish wrapper-ghtribune! Sorry to be out of the loop, but know that you have my heart felt sympathies. Tammy and Terry, know there is a big hug for you both wrapped in this message, I can't imagine your loss. Wishing you peace and fond memories of one classy lady!
Sincerely,
Tracy Stille-Mulligan##imported-begin##Tracy Stille-Mulligan##imported-end##
