Margaret Anne "Missi" Thomas, 79, went onward and upward peacefully on Monday, January 14, 2019 at her home in Cuero.  She was born on August 8, 1939 in Washington D.C. to the late J. Carter and Anne Friar Thomas. Missi was the owner and broker of Eling Real Estate and the owner of Friar Thomas Ranches.  She and her family descended from a long lineage of ranchers dating back to the beginnings of Texas at Washington on the Brazos.  She studied at St. Mary's in San Antonio, graduated from Cuero High School, and went on to study at SMU and the University of Houston.  She was a founding member of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum and was a member of the Texas Historical Foundation, the Houston Assembly of Delphian, and First Presbyterian Church in Cuero.  Missi was very active in the real estate world and various real estate organizations.

Missi had a zest for life.  She enjoyed being outdoors and listening to the waves in Rockport.  Missi had a amazing presence and her larger than life personality will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Missi is survived by her daughters, Dinah Rae Voelkel of Dallas and Debra Anne Benge of Denver, CO; son-in-law, Michael Benge of Denver, CO; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Ray Voelkel; and second husband, Jeremy Sturges.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held Friday, January 18, 2019, 11 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Cuero with Pastor Bill Cotman officiating.

Pallbearers include Jimmy McMahan, Ted Aven, Mike Mixon, Mark Lauer, Justin Roberts, Allen Smith, Dwayne Whitley, and Joe Adams, Jr.  Honorary pallbearers include Richard Filip, Raul Reyna, Roy Weise, Daniel Broll, Albert Aguilar, and Mike McGlothine.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Friar Ag Center.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.