Lorene Thomas

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lorene Ersula Waller Thomas, 96, formerly of Joplin, Mo., passed away peacefully at Excelsior Springs Hospital Convalescent Center in Excelsior Springs, Mo., on December 1, 2015. 

Rene was born June 7, 1919 in Jay, Okla. She was the daughter of Hubert and Bess Williams Turley. She graduated high school in Commerce, Okla. After moving to Joplin, she met and married Leon Waller on March 1, 1942. He passed away in 1987. She attended Joplin Business College where she became a bookkeeper and worked for many years in Joplin for Bormaster Appliance Store, Green-Yates, and Yates Trackside Center. She retired in 1994. She was very active with the Missouri Extension, holding several offices including District President. She was a master knitter. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Joplin. Rene was an avid animal lover, having raised a pet pig, caring for a bat, as well as many other critters. She loved children and thought nothing of stopping moms to admire and gush over their little ones. She reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Jack Thomas, in 1994 and they were married. They enjoyed 17 years of laughter, dancing and playing cards until his death in 2010. In May, 2011, she moved to the Kansas City area to be near her daughter. She moved to the Excelsior Springs Care Center where she resided until her passing. 

Rene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Leroy and Bill Turley, and husbands, Leon Waller and Jack Thomas. She is survived by her daughter, Marion (Jerry) Hood of Holt, Mo.; grandchildren, Kierston Walker, Carl Junction, Mo., Rebecca (Michael) Walker, Kearney, Mo., and Shawn Hood, Joplin, Mo.; great grandchildren Zachary (Hannah) Walker, Bryce Hood, Aidan and Logan Salat, and Elly and Brandon Walker; and great-great granddaughter, Anora Rose Walker. Rene was loved and admired by many and will be missed. 

Services will be held in Joplin with visitation at Parker Mortuary on Saturday, December 5, 2015, from 11 to 12:30 p.m., followed by celebration of life services at Ozark Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association.