Wanda Mae “Shug” Thomas was called home into the loving arms of God Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. She was a resident of Gasconade Manor and passed away peacefully in her sleep.
She was born Wanda Mae Oct. 4, 1935, to John and Christene (Withouse) Shanks. Her mother sadly passed away just seven weeks later, and she was adopted and raised by maternal grandparents, Ed and Ellen Withouse.
She was united in marriage to Jim Thomas, May 10, 1952, in Belle. To this union three loving daughters were born, Kris, Misty and Nicki.
Shug and Jim were members of the First Baptist Church in Belle.She worked for 38 years at her own Crystal Beauty Salon in the same building she and her husband Jim built on the corner of the 4-way stop in Belle. Modern Barber Shop and three other businesses were also located in their building.
Shug loved her occupation because she loved visiting, laughing and taking good care of her clientele. She lovingly referred to them as her “little old ladies.” She was honored to be asked to fix their hair in the funeral homes when one of them passed away.
During high school she was very involved in cheerleading and band and excelled in all sports, especially softball. Shug loved all sports and enjoyed being in a bowling league when she was an adult. She also enjoyed playing piano, making apple butter and baking great peach cobbler.
While living at Gasconade Manor, Shug was always busy with the activities and craft classes and visiting with anyone who wanted to chat. She loved joking with the staff, with whom she developed many close bonds.
Shug was known for her quick wit and humor. She had a very straight forward approach and opinion, as well as, a loving compassion. She loved big gatherings, reunions, but most of all she loved her family and enjoyed the time spent with them. Shug will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by parents, John and Christene; grandparents, Ed and Ellen; husband of 57 years, Jim; aunt, Lorene Homfeldt; and uncles, Mac and Jim Withouse, who were more like siblings since they were raised together.
Shug is survived by daughters, Kris Vandelicht and husband Kelly, Misty Thomas and Nicki Thomas all of Belle; grandchildren, Sean Travis and wife Jayme of Springfield and Amy White and husband Kyle of St. Louis; and great-grandchildren, Cooper and Jozie Travis and Jackson, Clayton and Georgia White; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, from 10–11:30 a.m. at Sassmanns Chapel in Belle. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Private family interment will be at a later date.
Expression of sympathy may be made to the Shug Thomas family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
