Amanda “Mandi” Thomas

In our hearts, we know that Dad came, took you by the hand, and led you to your new adventure. Our mom’s mind was always busy—making plans and organizing every detail of her day. We hope she is now resting easy, free from the need for checklists.

She grew up making wonderful, story-filled memories in Wisconsin and Arizona as the second of six siblings. Her eyes would light up as she shared stories about her childhood. She is preceded in death by her brothers Bill, Mark, and infant brother Matthew. Those memories continue to live on through her brother Ernie and sister Marguerite.

She met our dad while living in Arizona and working at a laundromat—a place that became the start of their “meet-cute.” From there, they built 51 years of incredible memories together. While stationed in Germany, he wrote her beautiful love letters and gave her the nickname “Silly.” She followed him there, and they were married. Over the years, they made homes in Wisconsin, Arizona, Utah, Illinois, Las Vegas, and eventually returned to Utah.

Our mom loved road trips but was an awful passenger princess. She was often either asleep or joyfully singing along to her favorite songs. Two of her favorites were Linda Ronstadt’s “Different Drum” and “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” by The Royal Guardsmen. Some of our most cherished road trip memories include powdered sugar donuts and chocolate milk.

When she wasn’t traveling, she could be found at thrift stores, antique shops, or garage sales. She loved finding bargains and often resold her treasures. One Christmas, she proudly paid for all her gifts with money she had earned reselling items. She also enjoyed regifting what she called “special treasures.”

She was a collector at heart, with a love for Snoopy, Southwest décor, and unique trinkets. One of her favorite routines was browsing weekly grocery ads and visiting multiple stores to find the best deals. Sunday grocery shopping remains one of my most cherished memories with her.

She loved playing Powerball, and since tickets aren’t sold in Utah, she and Traci would make trips to Wyoming to buy them. (Mom, Troy is still waiting for you or Dad to send the winning numbers.)

She also enjoyed getting pedicures at Top Tip Nails and the ladies there have great stories about mom.

She spent time at local senior centers, taking classes and playing cards. In recent years, she also enjoyed bowling. She rarely slowed down, but when she did, you could find her watching Matlock, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote, or the Game Show Network, playing on her tablet, or battling her email.

Her favorite meal included sloppy joes, Traci’s potato salad, and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. She also had a fondness for McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches.

She loved jewelry of all kinds—the elegant, the inexpensive, the shiny, and the beaded—and never missed a chance to accessorize.

Above all, she loved people. She loved getting to know them, talking with them, and forming connections. We always thought our mom had a small circle of friends, but in recent days, we’ve realized just how wide that circle truly was. We will forever cherish the stories and memories shared by those who loved her.

Her love language was giving. She welcomed many into our home over the years. She gave generously to those in need, including helping an employee at Christmas and volunteering with the Salvation Army Christmas Tree program—where we shared special moments shopping for others.

If you looked up FOMO in the dictionary, you might just find her picture. She had a tender heart beneath a strong exterior. Her sassy spirit and honesty helped her succeed in business, where she was always a leader.

That strength wasn’t always easy for Traci and me, but we always knew we were deeply loved and fiercely cherished, even when she struggled to show it. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to talk about them.

She could be challenging at times, but that came from her desire for the best for all of us. Even when our paths differed from what she envisioned, she was proud of who we became.

Traci is an incredible mother, a fun and loving Mimi, and a loyal friend. As for me, I shared her same spunk and sarcasm, which led to our share of difficult moments. I wasn’t easy to raise—but whenever I needed her, she was there to lift me up and encourage me to keep going. That is how I learned to love deeply, even when it’s hard.

In her final years, Traci was her closest confidant, and I am forever grateful for her love and patience. Traci, remember—she was always hardest on those she loved most.

She leaves behind Traci and me; her strong and supportive sons-in-law, Troy and Dave; her beloved grandchildren—Kaitie, Clay, Josh, Chloe, Tyler, CJ, Brenna, Bryce, Mia, Justin, Emma, Owen, and Zipporah; and five beautiful great-grandbabies. She leaves her dear “boy” friend Jack, whose quiet kindness and shared joys—good food, cards, bowling, and theater—brought her comfort and happiness. She also leaves behind a loving sister-in-law and many dear friends. She leaves behind a large extended family she welcomed and held close.

Each of us will carry forward something from the way she lived her life.

Per her request, no formal services will be held. A private gathering in her honor has been planned for a later date.

Mom, you once asked Traci if we would miss you. The answer is yes—we already do. And just so you know, Troy is still sending your morning texts, checking in on our plans for the day.