Bernadette Mary (Masqua) Thomas, 82, lovingly known as Bernie, was born on August 11, 1942, in Horton, Kansas, to Leroy Masqua and Julia Jessepe-Green. On June 27, 2025, Bernie peacefully entered her eternal home with Jesus—where she had always known she belonged as a beloved child of God. In her final days and hours, she was surrounded by the deep love of her family, who now carry her memory in their hearts.

A woman of deep faith, unwavering conviction, and enduring strength, Bernie lived a life grounded in service—both to God and to her community. She was a former member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and later a proud member of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. At the young age of seven, she began attending St. Paul's Indian Mission School in Marty, South Dakota, where she studied until graduating in May 1961. She went on to further her education at Haskell Institute, Highland Community College, and Weber State University.

Bernie dedicated her life to public service, working with diligence and integrity across city, state, and federal government agencies. Her career culminated with her role as a Supervisory Realty Specialist at the Land, Titles, and Records Office in Sacramento, California, from which she retired in 1998. Even in retirement, Bernie remained committed to serving her people. She was elected to the Kickapoo Tribal Council, where she led with dedication, wisdom, and a tireless work ethic until her retirement from tribal leadership in 2019.

Her professional life was marked by quiet resilience, humility, and excellence. She earned the respect of all who worked with her and left a lasting legacy through her steadfast service and principled leadership.

Bernie is survived by her sister Jeanette Littlesun; her children: son Jason Thomas (Tish), daughters Christina Jim and Michelle Thomas; and her adopted children: Rona Kay Goodeagle, Evelyn Archie Bull, Frank Wolfe (Alisa), Francis Soxie, Rueben Noah Jr., and James Gregory. She was a proud grandmother to Leotta, Johna, Amber, Michael, Jaden, Shakota, Taylor, Joi, Tiara, Angelina, Aubrey, and Keana, and a loving great-grandmother to twenty-seven great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love will remain a guiding light in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy Masqua and Julia Masqua Jessepe Green; her brothers Albert Masqua, Arlan "Dave" Masqua, Calvin Masqua, and Cleo Green; her sisters Lorraine "Tootsie" Masqua-Blacksmith, Karen Masqua Cadue, Claudette Green, and two infant siblings; her adopted brothers William "Billy" Wanatee and Mann John Falcon; adopted sister Lucy Wabaunsee; and her son John "Whopshan" Thomas Jr.

Above all, Bernie was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She spoke often of God's love and found strength in the promises of Jesus. Her prayers were powerful and persistent, covering her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in God's grace. She lived her life as a testimony to God's mercy, hope, and truth—teaching those around her not only how to live with courage but how to walk faithfully with the Lord. It was also a life filled with love and laughter, enriched by countless joyful moments and meaningful experiences shared with her children, adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her many colleagues.

Bernie's legacy is one of strength, service, and spirit. She leaves behind a family rooted in her values, a community shaped by her leadership, and a life lived faithfully to the end.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. A public viewing will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the church, followed by a rosary at 10:15 a.m. and then the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Internment will follow at the Jessepe She-Wa-Ka-Ah Cemetery. After the burial, a light lunch will be served at Bernie's home.