Annella Mayes St. Thomas

Aug. 28, 1947 – Nov. 10, 2024

Annella Mayes St. Thomas, 77, passed away November 10, 2024, at her home in Lovell with her husband, Nelson James, and loving son, Matthew Lee, by her side. 

She was born August 28, 1947, to James Estel Mayes and Glea Joyce Penticuff in Cincinnati, Ohio. Annella was the oldest of six children. She was later joined by siblings Cledes Mariville, James Estel, Betty Louise, Wilma Jane and Laurie Idell.

Shortly after she was born, the family moved from Cincinnati to California. After a time, they moved back to Lovell where her father’s family lived. She graduated from Lovell High School in 1966, and in 1967 the family moved to Columbus, Montana, for her dad’s work.  

This is where she met Nelson St. Thomas, her lifelong companion. They met while working at a care center in Columbus. They were engaged in 1968 and married June 12, 1969, at her uncle Deloy Mayes’s house. It was a rare, cold, snowy day. 

Annella and Nelson were blessed to have a son on March 18, 1971, in Wiesbaden, Germany. They named him Matthew Lee after Matthew from the Bible. He was God’s gift to them. They lived in Germany for two years, then Annella and Matthew came back to the states while Nelson stayed to finish his service. They lived in Columbus and Lovell off and on until 1972 when they returned to Lovell permanently so Matt could attend school. 

Annella worked at the old care center as a housekeeper but spent most of her life being a mother and a caregiver to her parents and siblings.  

Annella never took anything for granted. She worked hard and was a kind, caring and compassionate woman. She loved children and was even a foster parent to a little boy named Matthew. She nourished him and loved him like he was her own. 

Annella was also an advocate for women who were abused by their spouses. She took part in their lives and helped as they moved forward. Annella enjoyed camping, fishing and the great outdoors. She, Nelson and Matt spent many hours together in these pursuits.

Annella was preceded in death by her parents, James Estel and Glea Mayes; siblings Cledes, Betty and Wilma; grandparents Eli and Ella Mayes, Cledes Penticuff and Anna Leona Dabney,

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Nelson St. Thomas, son Matthew Lee of Lovell, brother James (Anita) Mayes of Lovell, sister Laurie Idell (Mike) Hecker of Billings and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Lovell Stake Center. She will be buried at the Lovell Cemetery.