Martha H. Thomas, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Neuvant House in Lawrence. Martha was born March 23, 1926 in Tostamaa, Estonia, daughter of Juri and Alide (Keppi) Hanson. She attended high school in Estonia, and was displaced to Wiesbaden, Germany during World War II at the age of 17. After the War, and unable to return to Estonia, she emigrated to the United States and, after fulfilling her displaced persons work obligations, joined the U.S. Army. Her professional life was spent in the bookeeping and retail trades.
Martha married Ted Mosby Thomas in 1951, and they had one daughter, Deborah Hanson (Thomas) Juhnke, who survives. She was preceded in death by Ted Thomas, her parents, and her sister, Maria (Hanson) Nommik.
Martha loved learning and she devoured countless books. She developed a sophisticated appreciation for music and art, and took every opportunity to visit the great museums. Because of her war experience, she was also passionate about every person’s responsibility to participate in civic affairs. One of her proudest moments was becoming a U.S. citizen in 1963.
Martha will always be remembered as a caring friend and loving guardian to animals. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, 1216 Biltmore Drive.
The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.