Helen M. Thomas

Our beloved Mother, Helen M. Thomas, life light went out on Friday, July 14, 2017. She was 93 years old. She is now at peace and rejoicing in her eternal life with Jesus and our loved ones and wonderful friends waiting there for her. Helen was born September 30, 1923 in Brookfield, IL a daughter of the late Martin and Anna (née Pergl) Malekovic. She had been a resident of Naples for the past 6 years coming from Salem, IL. Throughout most of her life, Helen was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. After the untimely passing of her husband Paul in 1970, she went to work at the Marion County Court House and was employed as a secretary in the County Treasurer's Department. She retired in 1990 after 19 years of service to Marion County. Her hobbies included sewing, playing cards, dominoes, cooking and especially anything with the family. Her family played an important role in her life after her retirement. She enjoyed the many family reunions and always looked forward to the planning of the next reunion. She is survived by her four children, Nancy Thomas and her companion, Janice Dempsey, Robert “Bob” Thomas and his wife Cheryl, Cathy J. Reuschel and her husband, Dennis and William Thomas; one brother, Al Malekovic and his wife Eileen; one sister, Blanche Plunkett and her husband, Donald; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Thomas in June of 1970; a son, Gil Thomas who died in infancy; a brother, George Malekovic and her sister, Violet Von Holt. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lakeside Pavilion, Aston Garden Memory Care Unit at Pelican Marsh and VITAS Hospice for their exceptional care given to their mother in her final days. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 5:30 PM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home 28300 Tamiami Tr. So. Bonita Springs. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until the time of service. Additional services will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Greenridge Bible Missionary Church 7402 Bilek Road, Alma, Il 62807. Burial will follow at the Martin Cemetery in Alma, IL. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online at www.alzfdn.org or to the Greenridge Bible Missionary Church 7402 Bilek Rd., Alma, Il 62807. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Helen M. Thomas

September 30, 1923 - July 14, 2017