Ella Thomas

Ella Thomas passed away on Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Springs at Missoula. Ella was born on the family farm in Tripp, South Dakota on August 2, 1924 to Walter and Martha (Schnabel) Schaefer. Her family moved to the town of Tripp when she was eleven and that is where she attended school. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Ella worked in several restaurants there in Tripp. In 1943 Ella moved to West Bend, Wisconsin to work in the Amity Pocket Book Factory for about four years.
Ella married Floyd Van DeHey and then moved to Missoula in 1950. They had two sons and later divorced. She married Frank Thomas and together they enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Martha and step-father Orlington Brechtel, son Duane Van DeHey.
She is survived by her son Dean Van DeHey (Brenda), step-daughters; Terri Curtis, Penni Keersemaker (John), granddaughter Jessica (Brock) Keersemaker and their daughters Minne Mae and Lucy, grandson Matthew Keersemaker (Kristy), great-granddaughter Kelsey Keersemaker and great-grandson Carson Keersemaker. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Friday, March 13 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with viewing at 10:00 -11:00 am and the funeral at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the church. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3:30 pm.
The family suggests memorial be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Ella Thomas's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.