Mary (Betty) Thomas, 89, of Turlock passed away peacefully at Brandel Manor. Betty was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to William and Edith Ryan, the youngest of their seven children. She went to school in Pennsylvania. After high school she worked in a defense plant in New Jersey during World War II. She later worked for General Motors. Mary met her future husband, Clarence (Tom) Thomas, while she was working in Pennsylvania and he was in the Army. They were married in 1959 and moved to Turlock California where they raised their family. Betty was active in the First United Methodist Church of Turlock, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and supported Habitat for Humanity and Heifer Project International. Betty and Tom loved travelling, rock-hounding, and most of all spending time with family and friends.

  Betty was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband of 40 years, Tom in 1999. She is survived by her two daughters: Laurie (James) Quinley of Turlock, CA and Patricia (Leslie) Freeman of Atlanta, GA and five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Dana, Julia, Madalyn, and Ryan.

  A Graveside Service for Mary is scheduled for San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery near Santa Nella on Thursday, March 27th at 1:30 pm.  Memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.      The family wishes to extend their graditude to the Staff and Nurses at Brandel Manor and Paramount Court for their loving care in the final years of her life.