Sally Ann (Ward) Thomas, 82, of Germantown Hills, IL, was escorted home by her Savior Jesus Christ at 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her family and her incredible hospice nurse.

She was born on June 16, 1941, in Peoria, IL, the third of five children, to Clarence Lee and Lillie Francis (Russell) Ward.  She married Herbert H. Thomas on July 31, 1965, in Sunnyland, IL.

Sally is survived by her husband, Herb of Germantown Hills; daughters, Andrea (Chet) Rhodes of Girard, IL and Shawnda Thomas of Germantown Hills; brother, James (Evelyn) Ward of Sunnyland, IL; “much younger sister” Janice (Tom) Berlett of Washington, IL; sisters-in-law, Mildred Ward of Lacon, IL and Dorothy McElroy of Metamora, IL; grandson, Joel (Terrie) Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Logan, Caitlynn and Chloe Rhodes; many nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, as well as three grand dogs, Nash, Krosby and Gracie. She was particularly fond of Gracie, who is 10 pounds overweight due to the excess of love. Sally was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Ray Ward and Robert Ward. Sally loved her family dearly, and cherished conversations and reminiscing memories.

Sally graduated from Washington Community High School in 1958 and started working for Illinois Bell Telephone. She was so proud of the 1957 Corvette she purchased and restored. Sally stopped working to raise her daughters, and at that time, also enjoyed being a room mother at school, a softball coach, and a women’s league bowler. When her daughters were ready for college, she went back to work as a housekeeper for OSF The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis Mother House in East Peoria, IL and rose to the head of housekeeping upon her retirement. Sally loved spending time gardening, fishing and golfing.

Sally was a member of Sunnyland Christian Church in Washington, IL where she helped in the nursery. Her church family was very dear to her.

The family would like to thank OSF Hospice, especially Heather and Danielle.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Reverend Robin Robinson officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, also at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lacon City Cemetery in Lacon, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sunnyland Christian Church, 2401 Washington Road, Washington, IL 61571, OSF Hospice, 2265 West Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615,or to TAPS (Tazewell Animal Protective Society), 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.