Marilyn "Granny" L. Thomas

Marilyn Lorraine Thomas, known to all as “Granny”, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Taylor House Hospice surrounded by her family at the age of 80.

Marilyn was born September 2, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa to Walter and Lorraine (Fetters) Rock. She was a graduate of East High School, Class of ’57. She married Lawrence D. Thomas on May 9, 1959. Marilyn was employed by the U. S. Postal Service as a Postal Clerk for many years.

Her family meant everything to her. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. She was a true friend. She will be remembered for her lovely sense of humor. Granny loved Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond music. She enjoyed going to the theater to watch movies. She always looked forward to her Tuesdays out with her neighbor friend, shopping at consignment shops and having lunch out. Granny enjoyed browsing around junk stores and flea markets finding treasures. She was a member of Desk and Dreck and the Hefers Club. Her cat, Angel, held a special place in her heart. Granny had a strong faith in God. She had a passion for current events and politics. The simple pleasures of ice cream, B-Bop’s burgers, or a lilac bush in bloom were precious to her. She was a kind and selfless person.

She is survived by her sister, Jeannie Rock of Schofield, WI; children, Marty (Bonnie) Thomas of Mitchellville, Jan (David) Ginapp of Spring Hill, FL, Sherry (Rodney) Dittmer of Lacona, and Ken Thomas of Mitchellville; grandchildren, Sarah (Dave) Palmer of Corydon, Katie Gambetta of Spring Hill, FL, Emily (Joe) Antelman of Bondurant, Jordan (Jacinda) Dittmer of Cambridge, Luke Thomas of California, Kenneth (Nicole) Ginapp of Chicago, IL, and Kelsey (Ben) Thomas of Colfax; step-granddaughters, Brittany and Jessica; eleven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Rock; mother, Lorraine Rock; brother, Jim Rock; sister-in-law, Gayle Rock; and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Thomas.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona, IA.

Contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice in loving memory of Marilyn “Granny” Thomas.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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