Marlene J. Thomas, nee Wilderman, age 75, of O'Fallon, born July 3, 1937 in Belleville, Ill., passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill., after a courageous 38-year battle against scleroderma.

Mrs. Thomas was a telephone operator for 24 years with Illinois Bell, retiring in 1977. She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, charter member of Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Council 4239, and Pioneers of American Telephone Co. She was an avid golfer and card player. Marlene's bright smile and sense of humor never diminished throughout her illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Evelyn, nee Haeman, Wilderman.

Surviving are her husband Gregory R. Thomas of O'Fallon, whom she married May 11, 1963 at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville; uncle James Haeman of Belleville; cousins Joseph Haeman of Freeburg, Ill., and Dorothy Sullivan of Englewood, Colo.; and many friends.

Memorial donations are suggested to Lupus Foundation, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, or to the donor's choice.

Visitation: Friends may call from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2013 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Ill., and after 9:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2013 at the church.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2013, at the church, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.