Wilma Joyce Sutton Thomas

SUTTON, THOMAS

Posted By: Marthann (email)
Date: 4/17/2007 at 20:10:44

THOMAS, WILMA JOYCE (SUTTON)
December 14, 1909 - April 1, 2007
Denison Bulletin/Review
4/5/2007
posted with permission

Wilma Joyce Thomas was born in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, December 14, 1909, the daughter of William J. and Zella Masterson Sutton. The family moved to Linn Grove, Iowa, where she was graduated from high school with the class of 1927. Following high school she attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and was employed as bookkeeper at the Ford Garage in Sioux Rapids.

On August 1, 1930, Wilma was united in marriage with John Vern Thomas at Linn Grove, Iowa. Their union was blessed with one son, Jimmie. They made their home in Linn Grove until moving to Bonesteel, South Dakota. While residing in Bonesteel, Wilma owned and operated a café for a few years. The family later moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, residing there until returning to Bonesteel.

During those years, Wilma furthered her education at Southern State College, Springfield, South Dakota, and Black Hills Normal College in Spearfish, South Dakota, and taught in various rural schools in Bonesteel, South Dakota, the Black Hills Region, Kadoka, South Dakota, and O'Neill, Nebraska.

Vern died April 19, 1963, and Wilma continued to reside in Bonesteel until moving to Denison, Iowa, in 1978, where she had since resided.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, Iowa, and the Retired Teachers Association.

In her spare time Wilma enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, playing bridge, reading and working puzzles.

Wilma moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, in November of 2006, and it was there her death occurred, Sunday afternoon, April 1, 2007. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 97 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Including her parents, William and Zella Sutton, and her husband, Vern Thomas, Wilma was preceded in death by her son, Jimmie Joe Thomas, November 7, 2005, two grandchildren, Judith Ann and David Evan Thomas in 1960, one brother, Bill Sutton, and two sisters, Gladys Sutton and Janet O'Conner.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include her daughter-in-law, Mary Thomas of Denison, Iowa, four grandchildren and their spouses, Patricia and David Baird of Swisher, Iowa, Peggy and Michael Mortensen of Kimballton, Iowa, Julie and Eric Miller of Blair, Nebraska and John and Dana Thomas of Grafton, Wisconsin, 8 great grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Ruth Sutton of Bonesteel, South Dakota, other relatives and friends.

Graveside Funeral Services and burial were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2007, at the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel, South Dakota, with Bill Sutton officiating. Pallbearers included Thomas Miller, Bryan Miller, David Miller, Gaige Thomas, Lucas Mortensen, David Baird, Mike Mortensen and Rick Miller. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements where at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2007, a Sharing of Memories Service was held, conducted by Wilma's family.

A memorial has been established to the Children's Library at the Norelius Community Library, Denison, Iowa. Online condolences may be directed to www.pfannebecker.com.