Mary Lou Thomas

Mary Lou Thomas, 92, of Winamac, passed away on Sunday, March 29, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Neil I. Pankow and Addie A. (Compton) Pankow on Nov. 2, 1933. 

She married Ralph Thomas on July 6, 1951. Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cared deeply for her family. As a farm wife and natural caregiver, she spent her life focused on the needs of others, offering steady support and quiet strength. Her candy bowl was always full and ice cream cups were always on hand for her visitors. She helped on the family farm and was always busy gardening and raising her four children. 

Mary Lou enjoyed playing Bunco and traveling with her friends. She was a member of the Tippecanoe Twirlers square dance club. She loved her weekly drives around the county with Lois [Butch] Kasten and never turned down an end of the ride ice cream cone. 

She is survived by her children: Marsha Ann Tetzloff and Jean Ann Newman [David]; grandchildren: Brandon Thomas, Lori Fisher [Casey], Bob Tetzloff, Abby Anspach [Luke] and Emily Newman; great grandchildren: Preston, Harlee, Cooper, Collins, Tripp and Olivia; step-grandchildren: Josh Newman [Robyn] and Blake Newman; step-great-grandchildren: Elsie, Charlie, William and Oliver; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Lois Kasten. 

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Thomas; parents: Neil and Addie Pankow; daughter Peggy Ann Thomas; son Randy L. Thomas; great-grandson Tyler Thomas; and siblings: Irene Trapp and Neil Pankow. 

Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 1, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Rans Funeral Homes, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Drive, Winamac, Indiana, 46996. A private family graveside service is to take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Pulaski Animal Center in Memory of Trixie, Mary Lou’s beloved dog.

Mary Lou’s online guestbook is available to share memories and condolences at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — April 8, 2026)