Marilyn Thomas

February 21, 1923 – January 24, 2025

Marilyn Thomas, 101, Carmel, passed away on January 24, 2025, one month before her 102^nd birthday. She was a beloved teacher, friend, mother, and grandmother who was born on February 21, 1923, in Whitcomb, Ind., daughter of Alpheus and Nora (Updike) Sampson.

Marilyn has become known in Carmel for her beautiful flowers which can be seen from the library. At one time Marilyn belonged to a seed exchange group that sent each other seeds all over the United States. Marilyn also helped start Citizens for Green Space, a group that promoted planting trees in Carmel, as well as started the Carmel Parks Department and planted flowers in the various parks. She taught elementary students the importance of trees, learning to grow and care for all types of plants.

Marilyn moved to Carmel in 1953. She designed and oversaw the building of her home in 1957 and ‘58. She dedicated her home to the glory of God and held a weekly Bible study until the pandemic. Groups such as Youth for Christ and Cru met in her home because of its close proximity to Carmel High School.

After the first junior high school was built, Marilyn formed the “Gray Ladies,” a group of mothers who took special training from Red Cross to staff the nurse’s office if the nurse who served three buildings was in another location.

As a founding member of the Carmel Clay education Foundation, Marilyn worked with that group for several years. She was also a founding member of the Carmel Clay Historical Society. She volunteered at Conner Prairie Settlement when the many craft programs were just beginning. Marilyn enjoyed learning the various pioneer crafts and demonstrating them to classes of children and various other groups. She was the leader of a 4-H Club called the Carmel Mainliners because most of the members lived close to Main Street.

Marilyn returned to college in 1969 and earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She taught third grade at the new Mohawk Trails Elementary School, but as she was earning her master’s degree, she moved to Carmel Elementary for the last 17 years of her teaching career. She would take her second-grade classes to her front yard for a science/nature lesson and ice cream bars! Marilyn worked on curriculum for a number of classes, but her favorites were the “outdoor environmental curriculum” and Indiana history curriculum. Various parts of these have been used by Carmel Clay Schools as well as schools all over Indiana for several years.

The joy and delight for Marilyn were her grandchildren as she would often take one of them on a short trip. She loved entertaining and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Her various dogs and cats were beloved family members, too.

Marilyn served as a picker to several antique shops by going to garage sales and estate sales for 25 years following her retirement. She was an avid reader, often reading six or seven books a week. She enjoyed playing games, especially Hand and Foot. She loved going to craft sales and creating all types of crafts. Her favorite crafts were rug hooking and basketmaking, but over her lifetime she did a great variety of crafts including spinning, weaving, and painting. Each week for several years, she hosted a group of ladies to work on crafts.

Marilyn was a charter member of Faith Missionary Church. She attended Carmel Friends Church for several years.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Gareth Ward Sampson.

Survivors include her daughter, SaraBeth (Sally) Rushmore and husband Charles of Carmel; son, David Thomas of Jeffersonville; grandchildren, Michael Rushmore and wife Julie, Timothy Rushmore, and Rebecca Rushmore and husband Jesse Patrick; great-grandchildren, Shelby Rushmore and Addison Rushmore; and great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey Fellick, Samantha Fellick, Cassidy Fellick, and Ezekiel Fellick.

Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at Faith Church, 9125 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, where the Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in Union Chapel Cemetery.

In memory of Marilyn contributions may be given to Samaritan’s Purse. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com