Francis Edith (Willey) Thomas

Frances Edith (Willey) Thomas, 85, passed away at Peace Hospice on May 18, 2015.Fran was a native and lifelong resident of Great Falls and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend of many in the Great Falls community and beyond. She was born March 19, 1930, in Great Falls, Montana, one of two children to Paul W. and Elvira V. (Peterson) Willey. Fran was born during the Great Depression and survived it by hard work, determination, self-discipline, and faith in the future. These qualities, together with selflessness, were among her most noticeable personal attributes; she summoned and relied upon them throughout her life to the immeasurable benefit of her family and friends. Fran lived her life in devoted service to others, especially her family.Fran and William H. Thomas were married on June 3, 1950 and spent their entire married lives, spanning nearly 65 years, together in Great Falls.Fran was a talented and accomplished seamstress. She possessed impressive skills and accumulated extensive experience with all media, materials, tools and techniques of the sewing craft. Her professional accomplishments include commercial chain stich lettering and embroidery, all forms of machine and hand stitching, and difficult fabrics like canvas, leather and fur. She plied her incredible skills for the benefit of her family and friends, regularly creating garments from a bolt of fabric or performing garment alterations from simple to complex that were of superior fit, craftsmanship, and quality. The only payment she would accept was a smile and a thank you. There was literally nothing Fran could not or did not do exceedingly well with needle and thread. During her lifetime she produced a significant body of high quality sewing work. Her sewing abilities are legendary and her work was prized and sought by many.She worked in the insurance industry in various positions and capacities for many years. At home, she created and maintained a loving, secure, nurturing sanctuary for her family. At the family cabin during countless weekends and summer vacations, her presence, motherly efforts and contributions transformed it into a priceless family treasure. In her community, throughout her life she cared for and looked after many other people in need, always finding time to help them in any way she could. Her civic involvement included membership and active participation in the Daughters of the American Revolution and Order of the Eastern Star of Great Falls.When she could find some time for herself, she loved to play bridge and other card games with her circle of friends. She developed her natural art talent, working primarily with oil paints, and created numerous paintings that became priceless family artifacts. Fran lived a rich, full life. The list of her activities, interests, experiences, accomplishments, abilities, and contributions is long.Her single greatest achievement was motherhood. In her sons eyes, she could do anything and fix anything, including a broken heart. She taught and showed us all that is right and good. For her sons, it is not possible to adequately recognize and properly thank the person who, together with her husband, gave them life and equipped them to live it. There is no greater gift that can be given.She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother John W. Bud Willey; her mother-in-law Helen Thomas; her father-in-law Harold T. Thomas; her daughter-in-law Valerie Belden Thomas; and her lifelong dear friend Barbara Urquhart.She is survived by her husband; her sister-in-law Marlene L. Willey; her sons and daughter-in-laws Robert R. and Lynette Thomas of Lakeside, John H. and Leslie Oakland Thomas of Great Falls, her son William M. Thomas of Butte; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.Her life has been sharply defined by her humanity, sustained devoted service to others, countless good deeds, and her capacity for self-sacrifice, giving, helping, and loving. Fran gave far more than she ever took from this world. Her enduring legacy to her family, friends, and community is her everyday example of excellence and completeness as a human being.The family would like to thank Frans caregiver and friend Patty Rice for her kindness, compassion, dependability and tireless and loving assistance to Fran during the last several years.In accordance with Frans wishes, no services will be held.Donations and memorials may be made to Peace Hospice of Montana, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405; Salvation Army Family Services, 1000 17th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405; or a charity of the donors choice.