In loving memory of

Deloris Thomas
March 24, 1940 - March 9, 2023

Deloris Thomas, 82, of Glenwood, IA passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Glen Haven Village in Glenwood. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola with Rev. Luke Kuenzli officiating. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood is caring for Deloris and her family.

Memorials: Directed by the family

Deloris was born March 24,1940 in Belgrade, Nebraska to John William and Alvina (Blankemeier) Oltmanns. She met Clifford Charles Thomas in Villisca, Iowa at a movie theater and while he pestered her, she told her friend that was the man she was going to marry. On June 18, 1955 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Villisca they wed and then spent 67 years raising a family that included five children, building a life and solidifying a legacy for generations to come.
Deloris was known for her intricate cross-stitch, her pieces truly a work of art and huge source of pride. She was also active with St John Lutheran Church in Mineola, Christmas decorating was a particular event she took very seriously as every aspect had to be just right. Baking, especially during the holidays gave her joy- a pinch of this, season to taste... recipes were references to be used sparingly. It was within the Mineola community she found her Extension Cords. The "Cords" became more than a volunteer organization, over the last fifty plus years, they became a lifeline, family and something Deloris depended on. Her group of woman friends was rare she used to say, something to strive to have and be thankful for every day.
Deloris Jean (Oltmanns) Thomas, of Glenwood, Iowa, passed away March 9, 2023, she was 82. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Alvina Oltmanns, brothers Kenneth and John Oltmanns and her son Clifford Thomas Jr.
Deloris is survived by husband Clifford; children, Annette (Brian) Heath, Groveland, FL, Jeff Thomas, Silver City, IA, Susie (Stu) Miller, Silver City, IA and Darren (Dixie) Thomas, Glenwood, IA; daughter-in-law, Kelly Thomas, Tabor, IA; 17 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and several exchange students she considered family; other relatives and host of many friends.

Tributes

Joy Decker-Cundall wrote on Mar 14, 2023:

"So many wonderful memories of this lady. Her family and mine all grew up together as my dad worked for Thomas Brothers Trucking for a long time. May she rest in Peace and knowing that our memories will forever be in our hearts and never forgotten. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all."

Cheryl Gough wrote on Mar 13, 2023:

"She was a long time family friend. She will be in heaven with a lot of Thomas Brothers Trucking people. Rest in peace.?"

Kimberly Swaink Adair wrote on Mar 12, 2023:

"So sorry for your loss. She was a very nice lady. Kim (Swaink) Adair "