Our dear mother, Marjorie Elizabeth Ekker Thomas “Betty,” passed away Dec. 30, 2019, in Tooele, Utah.
Mom was born June 13, 1931, in Eureka, Utah, to Marjorie Elinore Pritchett and Richard Ekker. She grew up on the Ekker ranch on the southern slopes of the Sheeprock Mountains. Mom loved cattle, horses and the ranching way of life. She was a true cattlewoman. She married her handsome cowboy, Robert Bernell Thomas, on Aug. 15, 1951, at the Ekker Ranch. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on April 6, 1999. She lived in Vernon, Utah.
Mom’s greatest loves were her family and the ranch. Between trips to the ranch to work their cattle, she raised a family, was active in her community and church, and worked at Dugway Proving Ground. She loved traveling with her children and was the best grandchild babysitter ever. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they have special memories of being with her at the ranch, changing water, rock hounding, and hunting.
Mom taught us patience, courage, and how to endure to the end. She helped us appreciate the beautiful world around us and often captured that in her photography. She taught us the value of hard work, a deep and abiding love of family, and a love for our heritage. We will miss her more than words can describe, but we are grateful for the precious time spent with her on this earth and look forward to seeing her again.
She is survived by her children Bruce (Lana) Thomas, Vernon; Robert “Burt” (Cheryl) Thomas, Vernon; Betsy (George) Grizzle, South Jordan, Utah; sisters Jeanne Taylor, Ann Alloway, Patsy (Darrell) Holden; 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Bernell Thomas; parents, Richard and Marjorie Ekker; stepfather Vern Black; sister Josephine Tolley; mother- and father-in-law Charles “Ed” and Mary Ann Thomas.
The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and aides at Rocky Mountain Care, Willow Springs, in Tooele, Utah, for their loving care of our mom for the past year.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at the Vernon Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 12 p.m. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Interment at the Vernon Town Cemetery.