Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Thomas
September 15, 2013
Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Thomas, 89, passed into heaven's gates on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from lymphoma at her home surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held at Woodland Hills Church of Christ, 2484 SE 68th Street, Pleasant Hill, Iowa from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Woodland Hills Church of Christ with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
Liz was born February 16, 1924 in Malta, Montana, the sixth child of Roy and Goldie Sheumaker After a few months, her family moved home to Mt. Ayr, Iowa where she grew up. After high school, Liz moved to Des Moines to attend Thompson’s Beauty School and worked at the Utica Department Store. After graduation she taught at Thompson’s Beauty School for three years before meeting her future husband, Vernon Thomas, at the Riviera Dance Hall They married a year later on June 9, 1944.
Liz was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She enjoyed a life full of family, friends, and church at Woodland Community Church where she was a member for many years. She was known to many as simply ‘Great Ma’. Those fortunate enough to be in her life shared in her warmth and compassion.
Liz is survived by her children: Ora Lee, Bev, Joan, Melvin (Debbie) Thomas, all of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren: Kenny (Dianne) Thomas, Vern Thomas, Ann Thomas, Nicole (Ron) Curry, Melissa (Tim) Speed, Michael (Andrea) Thomas, Ryan (Sarah) Collins, Angela Varner, Wendi (Jake) Blanker, Zach (Nicole) Thomas, Rebecca (John) Mendoza, Lacey (Jason) Steele, Natalie (Lee) Michael; twenty-six great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren sisters: Frances Saltzman and Margaret Wood; brother: John (Sharon) Sheumaker; and many nieces, nephews, and the entire Thomas family whom she loved dearly.
Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Thomas; parents, Roy and Goldie Sheumaker; and great-grandson, Austin Bacon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Community Church, Runnells, Iowa.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Elaine Evans
09/21/2013
My deepest condolences to your family on the loss of your Mother, Grandmother. I just found out the news today from Glenn. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Liz was such a wonderful person and a Grand Lady!
kelly shockley
09/19/2013
Liz,You are truly going to be missed.I had a lot of good times at your house thank you so much for the good old farm memories.You have a wonderful family
Orin & Nancy Sheumaker family
09/19/2013
We were very sorry to hear Aunt Liz had passed away. We knew her best from the family letter and her visits here. We know she will live in your hearts through all the wonderful memories you share. Our prayers are with you.
Tammy Henry
09/17/2013
Liz was a wonderful lady, I always enjoyed visiting with her. God always takes the best......
Sherri(Enie) Thomas
09/17/2013
To the best Aunt in the world, I love you and will never forget my childhood growing up with you, you taught me a lot about life and being a farm girl in which I treasure for life, you never grew tired of me being at your home constantly as a kid, oh and when you get to heaven please kiss my mom and dad for me I know they were there to welcome you, I love you Ma forever.
Stephanie Collins & Colton
09/17/2013
Hugs & prayers to the Thomas family. We love you & we will truly miss "Ma". She was a beautiful and caring lady.
Shane
09/16/2013
Liz, You will truly be missed! You was a great lady and I'm sure you were meet on the other side by many wonderful family and friends. God bless you! See you on the other side some day aunt lizard.
Charlie & Cindee Beattie
09/16/2013
Thomas family, you are in our prays. "Ma" was a great lady. She always had a smile and something sweet to say! She will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
KATHIE PARKER
09/16/2013
TO THE THOMAS FAMILY: MY THOUGHTS AND CONDULENCES. SHE WAS A SPECIAL LADY, ALWAYS LOOKED HER BEST. LOSING A PARENT IS HARD AND MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. KATHIE
Jason and Lana Ballard
09/16/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Great Ma was a wonderful lady, always happy and smiling. Lana & Jason