Mary Diane Thomas
Date: 6/2/1962

Mary Diane Thomas The sweetheart of Tooele County Mary Diane Thomas died in the Tooele Valley Hospital at 5:10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 1962. Stricken with bulbar paralytic polio at the age of 10 years, Diane has spent the past eight years fighting for her life and has won the respect and love of all for her courage. She was born November 1, 1944 in Tooele, a daughter of John and Reva Beckstead Thomas. She attended Stockton Elementary school until her illness. THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE has been written to Diane by an Aunt: �The sweetheart of Tooele County, Mary Diane Thomas, died in the Tooele Valley Hospital at 5:10 a.m. Saturday, June 2. She had fought a long hard fight for eight years, for every breath of air she breathed. Life was an effort, a daily struggle for Diane, who met each individual with a sweet smile and �I am fine, thank you.� She was an inspiration to all who knew and associated with her. Diane, at the age of 10, in the year of 1954, was stricken with bulbar and paralytic polio, totally paralyzing her. She was cared for at the Tooele Valley Hospital and with the aid of the iron lung, and the faith and prayers of her loved ones, she managed to win the struggle for life. She was then admitted to the Primary Children�s Hospital. Here with the aid of polio equipment and daily therapy, she became able to use her right hand and learned to feed herself, to brush her teeth, and to do her own breathing, without the aid of the lung. For a short while she could wear braces on her legs and with the aid of her father, walk a short distance. The operation on her hand was successful. Other operations proved most successful, and she was able to come home and in her wheel chair, with the help of her brother, Harry, teachers and friends, attended one year in the Tooele Junior High School. This was a great joy to Diane, to be able to associate with young people her own age and make new friends. Colds, flu and other illnesses made it necessary to have classes at home. So, teachers were sent into her home that she might continue her classes. Diane had a keen memory and was very talented in speaking. Her favorite pass time was writing short stories and poetry. She also did much charcoal and chalk drawing. Of which she sold five. This was quite an accomplishment for Diane in her condition. She loved to study and learn new languages. Her greatest desire was to fill a mission for her church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This mission, I am sure, is fulfilled in the hearts of every individual who knew her. For she taught in all faith, hope, love, patience, and lifted all out of the depths of despair by the warmth of her sweet smile� DIANE IS SURVIVED by her parents, two brothers and a sister, Barry, of Dugway; Kendall and Melanie, Stockton; grandmothers, Mrs. Mary Thomas, of Stockton, and Mrs. Emma Beckstead, South Jordan. Funeral services were held in Stockton Ward Chapel June 5, 1962.