Ellen ‘Marie’ Thode, 92, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of June 30, 2023. Always an early riser and devout Christian, Marie said she knew when the time came ‘God would lead the way.’
Marie was a remarkable and fiercely independent woman, living and caring for herself and loyal canine companion, Lucky, until only recently in the home she shared with late husband, Estel Thode, and where sons, Randy and Richard Thode, were raised in Hutchinson, KS. Over time, the family homestead of 62 years became homebase for frequent Pinochle games with family friends, weekly Sunday meals, holiday and birthday celebrations with the ever growing family now including great grandchildren.
To her core, Marie was the guide and backbone of the Thode family – a matriarch who believed in the power of faith, positivity, hard work, kindness, a great sense of humor to endure tough times, and above all else, unwavering love for family. Love to Marie meant bringing water and snacks to the grandkids at summer camps and games, attending performances, graduations, weddings, sending cards for birthdays and holidays, and always a loving voicemail or hand-written note just to make sure you had a warm coat in the winter or knew that you were loved. She never missed an opportunity to dote on her 2 boys, beloved daughter-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Following her work in the home, Marie dedicated 25 years to her work at Borton, Inc., while also supporting the family-built business. Marie made several attempts to ‘retire,’ but again found a professional home as a hostess at Conklin Cars for 20 years. Between work and family gatherings, Marie also spent time volunteering at the Salvation Army, the Food Bank, Wesley Towers, and countless others. Where she mustered the endless reserves of energy is a question still eluding her family.
Marie was born on August 25, 1930 and the only child of Charles Norris and Gladys Ellen Moats in Sterling, KS. Moats passed away 3 days later due to childbirth complications. Two years later, Buenos (Ayers) Johnson joined the family and was described by Marie as someone who outshined everyone - a quality Marie embodied with very little effort. Shortly after graduating from Nickerson High School in 1949, Marie married the first love of her life, Estel E. Thode, and shared 50 years of marriage prior to his death on September 22, 1998.
Marie is survived by sons Randy Thode of Hutchinson, KS, and Richard (Sandy) Thode of Raytown, MO; grandchildren Taylor Roddy of Denver, CO, Daniel (Perry) Thode of Washington, D.C., Scott (Liz) Thode of Kansas City, MO, and Jimmy (Javi) Thode of Seattle, Washington; and great grandchildren Makena Marie Roddy and Vivian Jean Thode.
Marie will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Memorial Park Cemetery surrounded by family. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2023 at Elliott Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church in the Warner Wing, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.