Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Thomas

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

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