Thelma Mae Sanito, 94, Lead, passed peacefully from this life into eternal living on Tuesday, July 20, 2022 at the Monument Home and Hospice House in Rapid City. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Thelma was born January 3, 1928 in Lake Andes, SD to Andrew and Gladys Cowell. She graduated from Lead High School in 1946. After graduation Thelma went to work for AT&T as a telephone operator in Deadwood. On January 26, 1950 she married Jack Sanito and settled in Lead. They raised two children, Bob and Karen. For fifteen years she was a wonderful homemaker. She then enjoyed several years as the head librarian for the Homestake Library. Thelma loved animals, especially dogs. Cooking, baking and canning occupied much of her time. Thelma was blessed with six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They meant the world to her and were her pride and joy. She was a lifelong member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and Altar Society.

Her husband and parents preceded her in death. Thelma will be missed by her son, Bob (Diane) Sanito of Lead, SD; daughter, Karen (Chris) Weaver of Florence, AZ; grandchildren, Jaymee (Kevin) Cauble of Decatur, IN, Shelbee (Joe) Joyce of Lakeville, MN, Kaleena (Bartolo) Martinez of Prior Lake, MN, Ashley (David) Neal of Austin, TX, Aaron (Joy) Weaver of Kenmore, WA and Nick (Katherine) Weaver of Puyallup, WA; great-grandchildren Jayla, Jack, Kach, Max, Adrian, Bartolo, Brynlee, and Kru.

A vigil service will be at 7 PM on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lead.   Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 25, 2022 at the church.  Inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lead.  Memorials have been established to St. Patrick Catholic Church and Twin City Animal Shelter, both in Lead.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com