Mildred Thomas

MADISON/RIO RANCHO, NM-Mildred “Micky” Thomas, age 93, passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 in Rio Rancho, NM. She was born on June 21, 1921, in Woodstock, IL., the daughter of Alfred E. and Flora (Longnecker) Johnson. Micky graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor of science in 1942, and her master’s degree in 1970. She married Griffith “Hugh” Thomas on May 8, 1942, in Madison, WI. Micky is survived by her children, Arlene Thomas of Rio Rancho, NM, Gary Thomas of Guilford, CT, Helen (Denny) Williamson of Random Lake, WI and Jim (Sue) Thomas of Vancouver, WA; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh; her brother, Wallace Johnson; and her sister, Doris Johnson. Micky was affiliated with and active in many organizations. She was a 27 year member and officer of Kiwanis Clubs including the Madison Monona, Madison East and Corrales NM Kiwanis Clubs. She received a Kiwanis Distinguished Lieutenant Governors Award in Wisconsin and while in New Mexico received an award from the SW Regional Governor of Kiwanis and the Legion of Honor from the Kiwanis Club of Corrales. A naturalist with the Madison Schools, she wrote a column “Wild Notes” for 16 years for the Monona Community Herald . She wrote many short stories, and created and published newsletters, the Chamomile Chatter and the Sandia Springs Sentinel. She and Hugh, along with other volunteers created the Thomas Tallgrass Prairie on the Frank Allis School grounds. She was also a room grandparent at Frank Allis School. She served as President of the East Madison Monona Coalition of the Aging, and received the Rosemary Fleming award from the Blackhawk Council of Girl Scouts. She was a past matron of the Starlite Chapter of Eastern Star in Monona, WI and a member of Turquoise Chapter of Eastern Star, Rio Rancho, NM. She was a member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ and a member of Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church. An order of Eastern Star will be held on Monday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial celebration at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, with Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding. A reception to follow with burial to take place following the reception at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from Noon until the time of service on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison East Kiwanis Foundation, the American Parkinsons Disease Association, Lake Edge United Church of Christ, or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420