Mildred Ranels Thomas

Mildred Ranels Thomas, 89, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 in Abilene, Texas.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 26, 2018 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 27th at Hillcrest Church of Christ with Terry Brown officiating.  Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

Mildred, known as “Mimi” to family and friends, was born 1928 in Orange, Texas to Saint Elmo Ranels and Carmillia Lombardo Ranels.  She was the 2nd oldest of 5 children.  Mildred was baptized as a young teen.

On September 21, 1947 Mildred married Carl Dorsey Thomas at the Burleson Church of Christ in Marshall, Texas.  They lived in and around Marshall until 1955 when they moved to Abilene, Texas. 

When Mildred and Dorsey moved they put down roots in Abilene far from family and friends.  They quickly built friendships and grew relationships in their churches, neighborhoods, and businesses.  Their first company began as Dorsey’s Heating and Air Conditioning and later became Weathermasters Inc. through the acquisition of that company.  For the 35 years that Dorsey operated Weathermasters, Mildred was his partner and coworker.  In the early days she was dispatcher and bookkeeper from their home.  Later she worked in their offices and helped grow their business.  Throughout their years in business she was always Dorsey’s most trusted advisor and enthusiastic supporter.  Mildred partnered with Dorsey in real estate investing and other enterprises.  In her later years, she enjoyed a career at West Texas Drilling.

Family was always her highest priority.  She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Where ever they lived their home was open to all.  For her “family” wasn’t a strict biological definition, it was a rule of relationship and love.  She had enough love for everyone.  She was “Aunt Mimi” to a variety of ages and connections who could always count on her acceptance, warmth and wise counsel.

Over the 67 years of marriage, Mildred and Dorsey committed themselves to serving God and working in their local congregations.  In Abilene, they had strong ties to 11th and Willis, Minter Lane, Highland and Hillcrest Churches of Christ.  Mildred was always ready with food and comfort for any who were in need. She supported and volunteered with any Church or school activity that her children or their friends found interesting. Mildred and Dorsey loved playing games of all kinds.  42 was her favorite.  Dorsey and she played 42 on a monthly basis with their Minter Lane family for over 50 years.  She continued playing with that special group until shortly before her death.

Mildred will be remembered for her love of those around her.  She saw the best in people and in any situation.  She was quick to laugh and equally quick to offer a comforting hug.  Many counted on Aunt Mimi to be their kind voice of reassurance in time of trouble.  She had a kind heart and a hopeful outlook.  Mildred lived well and loved hard.

Mildred lived her life with a smile.  Her sense of humor was quick and often surprising.  More than a few were fooled by her pranks.  She was a skilled seamstress and talented artist. She relished decorating her homes and creating places of beauty and comfort. She took pride in her handcrafted gifts to those she loved.  She loved cooking favorite meals with favorite desserts.  Most of all, she deeply loved her husband Dorsey.  Their hearts were bound together over those many years.  His death in 2014 was a blow that rocked her to the core, yet her smile remained until she passed because of her faith in God and her certainty that she would see her Dorsey again.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Dorsey Thomas, her parents, and her 4 siblings; sisters Ruby, Betty, Patsy and brother Bailey.

Mildred is survived by her son Steve Thomas (Kris), her daughter Carla Sims (Greg), her grandchildren Ryan (Sara), SarahBeth, Bubba, Katriana and Talis, and her great-grandchildren Ainsley and Liam.

Mildred is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends who have been a part of our family for many years. 

In Mildred’s honor, plan a special time with someone you love, or memorials may be given to West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene, Texas or the Church or charity of your choice.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Wisteria Place and Abilene Regional Medical Center and Kinder Hearts hospice team.