Mary Ellen Thiets

   It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Thiets, age 83, of Mooresboro, NC, formerly of Lynchburg, VA, and Tulsa, OK. Mary Ellen passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024, at TerraBella in Shelby, NC.

 Born on August 22, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Thomas E. Searle and Mary E. Stewart Searle. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. "Bill" Thiets, her son Garry Mann, her stepdaughter Nancie Thiets, and her sister, Carol Ann Rice.

 Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Doug Mann, and his wife, Teresa of Mooresboro, NC; her three stepchildren, Guy Thiets and his wife, Michelle Barnes of Yukon, OK, Patty Croxton of Elbert, CO, and Kirk Thiets of Denver, CO; and nine cherished grandchildren: Erin Houser (Mark), Chad Mann (Taylor), Trinity Mann, Xavier Mann, Brian Mann, Michael Mann (Terrie), Ashton Croxton, Taylor Croxton, and Jeff Watson. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Juniper, Tilden, Everett, and Daphne Houser; Makalya Mann; and Jebidiah, Jude, and Margot Croxton, as well as her closest cousin Virginia Napolitano “Cuz”, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Mary Ellen led an extraordinary and full life, much of which revolved around her career in the airline industry, where she was highly regarded. It was while working for Frontier Airlines that she met the love of her life, Bill. Together, they embarked on an incredible journey that took them across the country, from Colorado to Oklahoma, where Mary Ellen later worked for American Airlines. Their passion for travel only grew, and they spent years exploring the United States, visiting national parks, taking cruises, and connecting with family and friends scattered across the nation.

 After Bill’s passing, he left Mary Ellen with a special request: to use the funds from the sale of his beloved train collection to travel as much as possible. True to his wishes, she embarked on adventures around the world, visiting Italy, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and countless other breathtaking destinations, all with her dear friends by her side. These travels fulfilled a lifelong dream of exploration and discovery.

 Beyond her love for travel, Mary Ellen was an extraordinarily talented quilter. Her beautiful, intricate creations earned her many awards, and her home was adorned with her one-of-a-kind pieces that reflected her creative spirit. Quilting was not just a hobby for Mary Ellen; it was a form of art, and through her work, she shared warmth and beauty with all who had the privilege of experiencing her designs. She will live on through these pieces that her family will cherish for a lifetime.

 Mary Ellen was also a two-time breast cancer survivor, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience. Her personal battle with cancer ignited a deep passion for advocacy, and she spent much of her time volunteering at hospitals and for cancer research organizations. Participating in numerous charity marathons and walks to raise funds for breast cancer research, as well as creating lap quilts for chemo patients, inspiring those around her with her determination and positive spirit. Mary Ellen’s life was a testament to courage, love, and the power of giving back.

Her legacy of resilience, compassion, and an enduring zest for life will live on through her family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing her. She showed us what bravery and kindness looked like, and her memory will continue to inspire.

 May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved Bill, and continue her adventures beyond this world.Top of FormBottom of Form

 A celebration to life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Cleveland Funeral

Services in Shelby. A visitation will be held from 10:00am – 11:00am prior to the service at the

funeral home.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O.

Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

 To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com

 A service of Cleveland Funeral Services; Crematory, Inc.