Marie Thomas

Marie Weerts Thomas was born in Magnet, Texas on October 13, 1922. She died at her daughter''s home in Brenham on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Marie was the daughter of Frank and Martha Merten Weerts. At her age of 4 her mother died. Marie was raised in Burton, Texas by the William Merten and Charles Merten Families. Marie was educated in the Rehburg and Burton Schools. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith on October 22, 1922 and confirmed in Rehburg at St. Paul''s Lutheran Church on Sept. 20, 1936. Marie moved to Brenham in 1940 and married Perry Lee Buddy Thomas Jr. on May 14, 1941. He preceded her in death on January 25, 1995. In 1948 they built a home amidst cotton fields south of Brenham on a dusty lane now known as FM 109. While Buddy served overseas in W.W. II, Marie cared for his aging mother. She worked at Barnhill Drugstore; Green Valley Restaurant; and the telephone company. Later she helped establish Buddy''s home construction business. In 1952 the family joined Salem Lutheran Church of Salem where she faithfully worshipped until her death. She was devoted to the Dorcas Circle and served over 35 years as Vacation Bible School hostess and attended Adult Bible class. Marie was a quiet, gentle spirit who had a remarkable passion for life, work, family and serving others. She adored God''s Creation especially all species of animals and flower gardening. Rarely did she not have a pet on her lap or at her feet. She was a skilled homemaker, and excellent cook and she loved to plan, prepare and serve her family lunch every Sunday and holidays and special occasions. Her table was open to everyone. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Perry L. Nicky and Betty Thomas; daughter, Linda Kay Thomas of Brenham; grandchildren; Mae and Mike Hintzel of Bellville, Vicki DeDee and Gene Swonke of Brenham, Shannon Lee Thomas of Franklin, TN; great-grandchildren, Travis Hintzel, David Hintzel, Kayla, Kelsey, Kendall and Kolton Swonke, and James H. Thomas; great-great-grandson, Perry Lynch Hintzel; a beloved Godchild Mitzi King; nephews, Gene Judy Weerts of Linden and Jack Griffin of Houston, and Keith and Candice Weerts of Spring; devoted cousin, Harvey Floya Ann Merten; and caring neighbors, Glenwood Sr. and Betty Vierus and Mack and Betty Morris. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Arthur Ruby, Ralph Laura, and Walter Weerts; brother-in-law, Lloyd Edwina Thomas; sister-in-law, Lois Jack Griffin, Dora Ben E. Bartay Sr., Alice Ben E. Bartay Jr.; nephews, Lloyd E. Jr., Jerry Al, and Perry Dewitt Thomas and James Alan Bartay; and great-granddaughter, Mary Hintzel. Services for Marie Thomas are Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Charles Parnell and Reverend Toby Burk officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation with the family and friends will be Monday, April 30, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church or American Diabetes Assn. Serving as pallbearers are Gene Weerts, Keith Weerts, Jack Griffin, Mack Morris, Glenwood Vierus Jr., Jerry Merten, Bill Merten, Harold Kelm and Darrell Plagens. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren. Sincere appreciation goes to AMA Health Care, Jenny Warchesik, Janice Martinez and Syria Wellman for their support. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St, Brenham, 979-836-4564. To post a tribute to the family visit www.memorialoakschapel.com