Mary Lou Thomas

RICHMOND, Ind. - Mary Lou Thomas, age 83, of Richmond, died Saturday, February 1, 2014, at her home. She was born March 19, 1930, to George Graham and Mary Leota Beard Thomas, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where her father managed the Railroad Hotel. Following her father's death in 1939, her mother married Giles Williams in 1943. Mary Lou lived and worked on the farm in Abington Township where she had a very close relationship with Giles. She was a 1948 graduate of Centerville High School and attended the Jordan School of Music at Butler University. Mary Lou worked at Richmond State Hospital, first as a lab technician and then as a telephone operator, retiring in 1992. She also had worked at Reid Hospital and for Dr. Runge and Dr. Warrick. Mary Lou was a member of the Indiana Audubon Society, INPAWS, Cope Environmental Center, Hayes Regional Arboretum, and The Garfield Fan Club. She loved wildflowers and had a deep affection for animals. Mary Lou enjoyed biking and was identified in a Dick Reynolds column as 'The Mystery Rider of the Westside.' She was also an avid hiker. Survivors include her step-nieces and nephew and their families, Diann (Stedman) Willard of Richmond, Nancy (Virgil) Mullen of Centerville, Janet Heath of Indianapolis, Jeff (Mary) Williams of Indianapolis; an ex-step-niece-in-law, Sharon Williams of Richmond; special friend, Judy Metzger of New Paris, Ohio; many, many friends; and her beloved cats, Baby Phyllis Jean and Shade. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Giles Williams, step-brothers, Dick and Tom Williams; step-nephew, Dick Williams II; and many furry friends. A graveside service for Mary Lou Thomas will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014, at Boston Cemetery with Pastor John H. Hollis officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Welfare League, 1825 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374; Cope Environmental Center, 4910 Shoemaker Road, Centerville, IN 47330; or Hayes Regional Arboretum, 801 Elks Country Club Road, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Mary Lou Thomas

March 19, 1930 - February 1, 2014