Mary Thomason

Mary Ellen Thomason passed away February 8, 2026, at SMP St. Catherine South in Fargo surrounded by her family.

Mary was born May 30, 1943, in Enderlin to Clint and Genevieve (Arians) Ford. She graduated from Enderlin High School.

Mary married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Thomason on August 5, 1961, in Lisbon, ND and settled in Minot, ND in 1966 where they made their home for the next 56 years. After raising her family, Mary worked as a Peer Support Specialist for North Dakota Human Services. She worked with them for many years until her retirement when she was in her 70’s. She was a strong advocate for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. She was a former president of the ARC chapter in Minot ND, then continuing her advocacy for persons with mental illness.

Outside of her professional life, Mary could be found in her garden enjoying her flowers, which were the talk of the neighborhood. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading, crafting, playing cards and solving crossword puzzles. Mary enjoyed time with family and friends telling stories on her deck surrounded by the beauty of her yard.

Mary is survived by her son, Michael (Pam) Thomason, Fargo ND; daughters Tara Thomason, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Patti (Rod) Ganje, Minot ND; grandchildren, Kristen Thomason, Fargo ND, Kaitlyn Myers (Jena McIntyre) Fargo ND, Jonathan Thomason (Cassandra Lemere) Fargo, ND, Andrew Myers, Twin Falls, ID, and Genna Mary Myers, St Paul, MN; great grandchildren, Lorelei Bucknall, Mina Thomason, Theodore Thomason, and Maria Thomason; sister, Helen Wentland (Caroll), Jamestown, ND; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Thomason; son, Paul Thomason; parents, Clinton Ford and Genevieve James; and sister, Pat Tottingham.
The family will be having a private celebration for Mary in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, she requested memorials to be sent to The Harmony Center, Minot ND.