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Geraldine "Gerry" Thomas was carried peacefully by her angel from this world to the next on January 18, 2010. She was a loving and beloved wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Gerry was born in Novinger, MO on March 3, 1920 to Edgar and Charlotte VanLaningham. She and her two brothers grew up in Winfield, Kansas. Gerry graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield. She taught high school, and later worked for the Winfield Courier. During WWII she joined the Red Cross because she wanted to help with the war effort, and was sent to the Philippines. On November 1, 1947 she married George Thomas, and they began their family in Indiana. She and George settled in Denver where they raised their children and lived for over 40 years. A move to Albuquerque in 1997 brought them closer to their adult children and 3 grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary Alice; and by her brother, John Marion ("Bud"). She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, George; daughter, Pam Thomas-Salazar and husband Charlie; son Van of Santa Fe; grandchildren, Sean Millard, Michaela and Lucas Salazar; brother E.L. VanLaningham and wife, Babe; sisters-in-law Jo and Lois VanLaningham; nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins, and many, many close friends. Gerry was beautiful "inside and out" as her granddaughter would say. She cared deeply about others, and was always the first to take something homebaked to a friend in need. Although her petite body became weaker in recent years, her spirit remained as energetic and joyous as ever. She will be missed and remembered by so many whose lives she enriched. A celebration of Gerry's life will take place on Tuesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Manzano del Sol, 5201 Roma Ave. NE. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Red Cross, 142 Monroe St. NE, 87108, Attn: Maureen Simmons, 256-8792 or 265-8514. Please specify that your gift is in honor of Geraldine Thomas.
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