Deborah A. Thorn
December 01, 2012
Deborah A. Thorn, 60, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 1, 2012, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
Deborah was born November 30, 1952, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Loren and Evelyn Westendorf. She moved to the Des Moines area in 1970. Deborah worked as a teacher’s associate at Ruby Van Meter School for several years.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 42 years, Howard Thorn, Sr.; daughter, Nicole (Tony) Thompson; son, Howard (Bonnie) Thorn, Jr.; step-daughter, Joanna (William) McBee; mother, Evelyn Westendorf; six brothers; four sisters; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Loren; brother, Steven; step-son, Christopher; and granddaughter, Randi Ann.
A memorial celebration will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A private family inurnment will take place at Indian Valley Cemetery in Indianola at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to family.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Johneene Sexton
12/08/2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to Howard and all those who had the fortunate opportunity to cross paths with Deb. I met Deb through my husband Rich Sexton who also recently passed. Rich did all Deb's lawn care and any other odd job Deb would come up with to help us out. She was always extremely generous and kind hearted! She could see humor in even the most difficult situation. She kept Rich supplied in winter gear. She just recently bought Rich a pair of snow gloves for the year. She helped Rich out when he needed it the most. She will be greatly missed!
Jerry Caster, former principal, RVM
12/07/2012
Dear Howard & Family,
For many years I had the pleasure of working with Deb at RVM. She was loved and respected by her students, their parents and all the staff. Her kind and gentle manner, along with her real skill, helped lots of students. She was a joy to be around and she will be missed.
We share in your loss.
Marlene Babcock
12/07/2012
My sympathy to Deb's family and friends. I first knew Deb from being an associate in my daughter's classroom (Jenny). Later I knew her from working at Ruby Van Meter School in a classroom near her. She will be missed by many, and was so much help to students and their parents. Sincerely, Marlene and Jenny Babcock
Patti Murphy
12/06/2012
I only met ( little ) Deb...aka Floyd, a few times while I was in Iowa staying with ( big ) Deb...aka Ottistine. She had a love for cats and plants, as I do, and I felt we became friends, even tho we had not spent much time together. I think she was a wonderful person...I can only imagine how much you all will miss her.
Donna Fauser
12/06/2012
My deepest sympathy to the family of Deborah. I am from Oelwein and know several of her family members and her Mother. Such a beautiful girl and so talented. I know she will be missed by all and the students she helped. Sincerely, Donna Fauser
Zona Johnson and Family
12/06/2012
So sorry for your loss, deb was a good lady.. Thinking of Jody and Family...
Clarence Ehler
12/05/2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Howard and the entire family. Twenty two years ago I was fortunate to team with Deb at Ruby Van Meter School where she was a real gift to all who worked with her -- staff and students.
Jeri Hodson
12/05/2012
My heart and Prayers go out to Deb's family. Deb was such a sweetie and a joy to work with at RVM. Jody, Bill, Jesse, Elise and Adam please know how much I wish I could be there for you. Remeber how much I love all of You. Aunt Jeri and Uncle Dave.
Morgan Davis
12/05/2012
Thoughts and prayers for Deb's family at this time. She was such a spark of life, light, and happiness. I have many fond memories of working with her at Ruby Van Meter.
Jenelle Patterson
12/03/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by many. Sending you hugs and keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenelle Patterson and family