Lois Jean Thomas

Lois Jean Thomas, 97, of Albia, IA, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa, IA. Lois was born on September 29, 1928, at home in Monroe County to Roy Wesley and Bertha Grace (Tyrrel) Cooper. She grew up attending school in Albia. On February 13, 1947, she was united in marriage to Reese Thomas Jr. and to this union, 4 children, William, Jean, Terry, and Danny, were born. Lois and Reese were blessed with 69 years of marriage prior to Reese’s passing on June 4, 2016. Lois’s most cherished role was that of a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her children and caring for her family. She began her working career as a sewing machine operator for Iowa Fiber in Des Moines where she made pillows, gloves, and jackets. She later went to work at Ten-X in Pleasantville, IA, before lastly working at Trophy Glove in Albia. Lois was an excellent baker, known for her chocolate chip cookies. She was very talented and enjoyed crocheting and knitting afghans. In her free time, Lois enjoyed playing card games such as Solitaire and Pitch. She also enjoyed watching television, with her favorites being game shows and As the World Turns and later in life enjoyed watching sports, especially golf and football. Lois and Reese were inseparable throughout their lives and enjoyed spending their winters in San Juan, TX. Above all else, Lois’s family meant the world to her. She deeply cherished all of the time spent with them, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lois is survived by 3 children, William Thomas, Jean (Gary) Herr, and Terry (Cricket) Thomas; 11 grandchildren, Lori, Jason, Tammy, Rusty, Jon, Terry Jr., Angie, Candace, Ashley, Alicia, and Cody; 26 great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Marla Thomas. Lois is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reese Thomas Jr.; her parents, Roy and Bertha Cooper; a son, Danny Thomas; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Thomas; siblings, Lela, Loren, Roy Jr., Leola, and LaVonne; sisters-in-law, Hannah, Margaret, Ada, Ruth, Mary Ann, and Violet; 2 brothers-in-law, Billy and Evan; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Lois’s family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor John Sowers officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to Alzheimer’s Organization. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

Lois Jean Thomas

September 29, 1928 - November 5, 2025