Luella M. Thomas, age 79 of Big Rapids passed away Sunday, November 1, 2009 in Grand Rapids. She was born October 13, 1930 in Barton Township, Newaygo County to Asa and Edith (Essex) Cook. Luella lived most of her life in the Big Rapids area. As a young girl Luella worked at the Linten Department Store in Big Rapids. Later she went to work at Wolverine World Wide for 28 years, retiring in 1988. After retirement she then went to work at the Little Red Shoe House in Big Rapids. Luella and her husband, Fred wintered for several years in Hudson and New Port Richey, FL. She enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, bowling, and card playing with her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Fred; five children, Connie (Duane) Hurst of Reed City, Ken (Birnie) Thomas of Big Rapids, Kathy (Gary) Polsinelli of Grand Rapids, LouAnn (Doug) Gregory of Stanwood, and Deb (Don) Merriss of Reed City; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters. Memorial services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Mike Riegler officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:00 noon until the time of service.