Ann Thomas

Rapid River, MI

Ann C. Thomas, age 88 of Rapid River, MI passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Murray’s Country View in Gladstone after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Ann was born April 26,1935 in Escanaba, the daughter of Christopher and Bertha (Anderson) Thomas. She attended and graduated from Rapid River Area Schools Class of 1953. 

Following graduation Ann moved to Chicago to attend Augustana Hospital School of Nursing. She attended for one year and decided nursing was not for her. Ann then began a career with the Milwaukee Railroad and continued to reside in Chicago until 1985. At that time, she transferred to Minnesota with the Soo Line Railroad as Supervising Accountant.

Ann retired from her railroad career in 1994 and moved back to the family home in Rapid River. Ann and her sister, Gail, both spent their retirement years there. Every year the sisters hosted Christmas Eve for immediate family. Ann continued the tradition after Gail’s passing in 2019. Ann spoke of these gatherings before her passing and said she was sure going to miss them. She enjoyed being back home with her family and lifelong friends. She was always up for reminiscing about the old days and discussing family history. Ann kept in touch with out of town family and always looked forward to visiting with them, whether they traveled to her or she to them. She also spoke fondly of and kept in touch with friends made while living in Chicago and Minnesota.

Ann had a strong Christian faith. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and loved singing in their choir and playing the bells. 

In younger years she loved bowling and dancing. Ann was a busy body and always on the go. She liked traveling. She looked forward to attending breakfast after church and socializing with the ladies. She also enjoyed an occasional Manhattan. She especially liked going to the Swedish Pantry after her chemo treatments for breakfast.

Ann is survived by:

Brother: Harold Thomas in Fountain Valley, CA

Nieces: Carol (Ken) Mitchell, Deb Peltier, Catherine (Gary) Deneau and Deborah (Michael) LeTourneau 

Great Nieces and Nephews: Shawn (Mary) Mitchell, Kristin Mitchell, Jessica Mitchell, Jason Stein, Taylor Peltier, Michelle (Jake) Denkins, Dana Legel, Sara (Garreth) Smith and Lindsey (Justin) MacDonald

Great Great Nieces and Nephews: Maxine Mitchell, Jon, Brody, Colin and Lena Denkins, Jason (Natalia) Miller, Kaleb Nicolantonio, Krysta Kinnie, Oliver Smith, Blair, Bianca and Bryce MacDonald

And Great Great Great Nephew, Finley Miller.

In addition to her Parents, Ann is preceded in death by:

Sister: Gail Maloney

Brothers: Dennis, George and Christopher Thomas.

And Great Niece: Krysta (Legel) Bearor 

Family will receive friends on Monday, August 28, from Noon until 2:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A memorial service will follow visiting hours at 2:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. Ann will be laid to rest in the Masonville Township Cemetery. 

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Thomas family.