Great Bend - Marlee J. Thomas, 67, of 24600 Bud Lo Drive, passed away Saturday morning, June 8, 2013, at the Ellis Farm, Hospice of Jefferson County, Watertown.

Marlee was born in Carthage on March 18, 1946, the daughter of the late Stanley and Grace McCartha Worden. She attended Carthage Schools and later attended Jefferson Community College. She married Elwood Thomas on March 7, 1964 in Herrings.


She was a teacher's assistant in the preschool program at JRC in Watertown for 19 years. She loved knitting, home decorating and camping. Together with her husband, they wintered in Deltona, Florida for many years. She cherished the numerous Sunday gatherings and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Elwood of Great Bend, two sons and their wives: Todd and Tammy Thomas Sr. of Carthage and Tim and April Thomas of Great Bend, 4 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren, her mother-in-law, Lois Thomas of Great Bend, a sister: Lory Phinney of Powhaean, VA, two brothers: John Worden of Melbourne, FL and Dexter Worden of Great Bend and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 6:00 PM at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage. Burial will be held privately in Hillside Cemetery, Champion. Calling hours at the funeral home will be on Tuesday from 3-6pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Great Bend Fire Dept., PO Box 182, Great Bend, NY 13643.