Anita Thomas

AK-CHIN - Anita Thomas, 57, died on Dec. 25, 2015.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bapchule, with rosary following and wake at St. Peter feast house. Burial will be early Friday in Ak-Chin Cemetery.

Ms. Thomas was born on May 2, 1958, in Sacaton. She was a certified nursing assistant and was cheerful and high-spirited. She liked to go to casinos and listen to chicken scratch music.

She loved socializing and surrounding herself with family and friends. She liked doing crossword puzzles, reading stories and taking road trips. She was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Survivors include three stepdaughters, Robin and Stephanie Thomas of Casa Blanca and Leann Thomas of Tempe; two brothers, Leon and Luke Ortiz of Pisinemo Village; a sister, Julianna Laborin of Phoenix; 45 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio Ortiz and Regina Garcia; a stepdaughter, Linda Thomas; three brothers, John, Joe and Michael Ortiz; and three sisters, Frances and Irene Ortiz and MaryAnn Vincent.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.