Mrs. Mary Thomas passed away on April 26, 1956 after a long and useful life of 80 years, 3 months and 28 days. Mrs. Thomas was the 3rd of 4 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Root of Bedford, Missouri. On August 21, 1897 in Chillicothe, Mo., she was united in marriage with Richard Franklin Thomas. To this union 10 children were born, six of whom are still living.Those preceding her in death were Richard Lee 1905, Oma Sarilda 1911, Florence Elizabeth 1950, and Vera Vivian 1951, and three grandchildren.
In 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas left Missouri and came to Wichita, Kansas. From this city, they moved to a farm near Offerle, Kans., where the seven younger children were born. In 1925 the family moved to a farm between Protection and Coldwater. In 1945 they retired and moved into the present home in Coldwater.
Mary Thomas was a loving and helpful wife to her husband and a devoted, self-sacrificing mother to her children. She was a Christian who truly loved her religion.
During her 80 years, her family and home were the absorbing interests to her alert and active mind.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Franklin Thomas of Coldwater, Kans., six children: Ruel Victor of Columbia Falls, Mont.; Cecil Roger of Wichita, Kans.; Mrs. Viola Butler of Bellwood, Ill.; Mrs. Clyde (Thelma) Blackard of Coldwater, Kans.; Harley Arlo of Protection, Kans.; and Forrest Glen of Wheatfield, Ind.; 32 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren; and many neighbors and friends.
The Western Star, September 5, 1947. Thomases Celebrate Golden Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Thomas, Coldwater, Married 50 years
At left: Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Thomas.A reception in honor of the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Thomas of Coldwater was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Blackard Thursday, August 21.
The dining table was covered with a gold damask cloth and was centered with gold pompom chrysanthemums. A beautiful three tiered wedding cake topped with an orchid and a gold pin completed the setting. The cake was served with ice cream and ice tea. The honored couple received many beautiful gifts.
The out-of-town guests were: Mrs. Alberta James and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Thomas and son, John Thomas, of Wichita; Mrs. Iona E. Brown, W. H. Ritter and Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Dorsey and son of Sitka, Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Ray and children of Kansas City, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Thomas and children of Chicago and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dorsey and son of Englewood.
Other children and their families from this county who were present were Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Blackard and daughters of Coldwater and Mr. and Mrs. Harley Thomas and children of Protection.
Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Thomas were united in marriage in Chillicothe, Mo., August 21, 1897. In 1900 they moved to Wichita and for 16 years they made their home in Ford county, Kansas. In 1925 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and their children moved to Comanche county, settling on a farm which they had purchased. In 1945 they moved from their farm seven miles southwest of Coldwater and have continued to make their home in this city in the former J. L. Stanley residence which they purchased.
Of their ten children, eight are living and five of them were able to be present at the golden wedding anniversary.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are among the county's highly respected citizens and both are still in excellent health. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are 71 years of age. They have been successful in their farming and other interests and are now enjoying living in town and observing their many grandchildren grow up.
