Lois Loretta Thomas

Lois Loretta Thomas, age 85, of Albia, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Lois was born on May 8, 1935, to Pearl and Esther Repp at home in Monroe County. She grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating from the Albia High School. On December 24, 1954, she was united in marriage to Howard Thomas Sr. and to this union, 6 children were born, Howard Jr., Janie, Steve, Tina, Kathy, and Brian. Lois and Howard shared 66 years of marriage prior to her passing. Lois was a homemaker all of her life, babysitting for her grandchildren and great grandchildren after raising her own children. She enjoyed being outdoors tending to her flowers and garden as well as feeding the birds and squirrels. She was talented with crafts and enjoyed stained glass projects. Lois also enjoyed going to flea markets to buy and sell items. Her true joy in life was spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lois is survived by her children, Howard (Melissa) Thomas, Janie (Dan) Hendricks, Steve (Debbie) Thomas, Tina (Mark) Graham, Kathy (Doug) Benson, and Brian (Carrie) Thomas; 13 grandchildren, Angie Ford, Andy Thomas, Sarah Thomas, Derrick Thomas, Melissa Podliska, Michael Alexander, Steven Thomas, Joe Thomas, Kayla Suarez, Travis Graham, Curtis Graham, Thomas Benson, and Rachel Benson; 28 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. Lois is also survived by her life-long friend, Harriet May. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Esther; a grandson, Gerald Thomas; a great grandson, Cole Thomas; and a brother, Delbert Repp. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Lois’s family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. A private family burial will be held at the Hiteman Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

Lois Loretta Thomas

May 8, 1935 - March 4, 2021