Missing Person: Marla Jean Thomas - Anacortes, WA 1974 Unsolved Case

Missing Person: Marla Jean Thomas (nee Crabtree)

Details from a government source (might be paraphrased):

Marla Jean Thomas was last seen on December 11th, 1974 (Wednesday) at an unknown specific location in Anacortes, Washington.

Last contact: December 11, 1974, approximately unknown time
Last location: Anacortes, Washington - Unknown specific location but may be 511 T Avenue in Anacortes.
Age when Marla Jean Thomas disappeared: 22
DOB: April 22nd, 1952 (Charley Project)
Sex: Female
Height in inches: 62
Weight in pounds (lbs): 140
BMI: 25.6 - Overweight (calculated to help picture what Marla Jean Thomas might have looked like)
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Hair color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Link to Government Source: NamUs MP31485 (right-click to open)
Discussion page: Marla Jean Thomas Case on Facebook (right-click to open)

Family: Alfred P. Thomas Jr. (husband)

March 24th, 1970. The Daily Herald.


Unraveling the Mystery: Key Insights and Updates

By: Shane Lambert
Original time of writing: August 18th, 2025

Marla Jean Thomas, a 22-year-old White/Caucasian woman, vanished on Wednesday, December 11th, 1974, from Anacortes, Washington, under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind an enduring unsolved case. Standing 5'2" tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds, Marla had brown hair, blue eyes, and a BMI of 25.6, indicating a slightly overweight build.

No distinctive physical features or clothing details are mentioned in her NamUs profile. Furthermore, her exact last known location in Anacortes, Washington remains unspecified. Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, is a picturesque coastal town about 80 miles north of Seattle, known for its stunning views of the San Juan Islands, vibrant maritime culture, and small-town charm. Nestled in northwestern Washington, it serves as a gateway to the islands via ferry, with a close-knit community surrounded by Puget Sound’s natural beauty.

I did not find a missing persons report in the journalism from the time of her disappearance. However, I do recommend looking through the Facebook group hyperlinked. She was married with three children.

On thing that stood out with this case is that she and her husband were involved in a lawsuit against a local company, one that started just 2-3 months before Marla's disappearance. 
September 28th, 1974. Kitsap Sun.


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