Shirley Ann Thomas

Shirley Ann Thomas, 87, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away on September 20, 2024. Shirley was born on October 7, 1936 to Ardys and Margaret (Hook) Smalley on her grandparent’s farm in Wayne County, Iowa. She was the oldest of six children. Shirley graduated from Corydon High School in 1954. She married Dale Thomas on October 29, 1954. They had two children, Dale Richard (Rick) Thomas, Jr. of Ankeny, Iowa and Sheri Lynn Thomas of Park City, Utah.

Shirley worked as a secretary and bookkeeper before becoming the pillar of their family construction business. Shirley and Dale were also active in the Home Builders Association of Iowa. She had an uncanny ability to never forget a name, a birthday or a milestone for any of her loved ones. Shirley loved family gatherings, and spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for anyone who gathered at her table. No one will ever forget her infamous Santa Claus cookies at Christmastime.

Shirley will be missed by all those in her family, as well as many friends.

She is survived by her children, Rick (Diana) Thomas and Sheri Thomas; grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Therkelsen, Nathan Kinsey (Emily) and William Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Brant Therkelsen, Ashlyn (Conner) O’Leary, Adyson Therkelsen, (DJ), and Teagan Therkelsen; and great-great grandson, Bennett; brother, Alan (Peggy) Smalley; sisters, Gayla (Mike) Walderbach and Susan (Jeff) Taylor; brother-in-law, Lyle Perkins; sisters-in-law; Patricia Jenkins, Peggy Thomas and Theobelle Ross; along with 32 nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, her parents Ardys and Margaret, her brother Charles (Eleanor) Smalley, and sister Charlotte Perkins, and three nephews.

Shirley’s family welcomes you to a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with a service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Waukee Cemetery, 1065 6th St, Waukee, Iowa.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Edencrest at Green Meadows and Care Initiatives Hospice for your supportive care she received.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Care Initiatives Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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