Mary Lee Thacker

Mary Lee Thacker, 85, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on January 1, 2026, at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines. She was born on December 24, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Wayne and Mabel (Conn) Ballard.

Mary spent her life enjoying the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She loved going to the casino, shopping, bowling, and most of all spending time with her family. Mary had a lifelong love for horses and dogs, and she enjoyed collecting frogs, a hobby that brought a smile to those who knew her well.

Family was at the heart of Mary’s life, and she cherished the time she spent surrounded by those she loved. Her warmth, interests, and unique collections will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her children, Charles Wilson, Jr., Lisha Jordan, Thomas Wilson, Sr., Dana Craig, and Jonathan (Donita) Thacker; her siblings, Barbara (Jerry) Groepper, Abbie (Mike) England, and Darlene Donley; grandchildren, Charles Wilson III, Christian Wilson, Aixa Wilson, Richard Wilson, Ivan Wilson, Sherry Lee Carlson, Thomas (Nicki) Jordan, Thomas Wilson, Jr., Samantha Wilson, Mary Craig, Wesley Martin, Brandon (Anastasia) Linn, Christina Craig-Young, Justine Carlson, Jonathan Nash, Jaelynn Nash, and Jana Tovrea; many great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Chloe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert Wilson; her granddaughter, Amy Craig-Rice; her great-grandson, Cayden Lee Stewart; and her siblings, Lois Schlief, Virginia Riche, Pauline Gordon, and Rebecca Robuck.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A private burial at Glendale Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

P.S. Now Mary has unlimited potato chips, cupcakes, and Oreo cookies.

Print