Edwardine Marie Thomas

SACATON - Edwardine Marie Thomas, 57, of Sacaton died on July 15, 2019.

Ms. Thomas was born on July 27, 1961, in Sacaton and was a daughter of Kenneth W. Thomas and Sally A. Perez. She went above and beyond, especially for her four grandkids. She dedicated 33 years as a parent educator on the Gila River Indian Community. She received several awards, including Teacher of the Year, was featured in the local newspaper and received a governor's scholar award.

She received bachelor's and master's degrees from Arizona State University. Her life included reading, going to powwows, community events, shopping with her family at Goodwill and spending time with all her family. She was very dependable when others looked to her for help and was a positive, understanding, trustworthy and loyal friend. She was inspiring in every aspect of life.

Survivors include her parents; a daughter, Desiree Thomas; eight siblings, Sterling, Stewart, Cletus, Darin, Kenneth Gabriel, Laura and Jessica Thomas and Melanie Allison; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Stafford Thomas.

Rosary and wake beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at the District 4 Service Center. Funeral Mass celebrated at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bapchule. Burial in Day School Cemetery.

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