Barbara Jo Thomas, Beverly Ann Skripsky N.A.

BARBARA JO (SOVA) THOMAS

BEVERLY ANN (SOVA) SKRIPSKY

Cedar Rapids

Two former Cedar Rapids residents and twin sisters were killed Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while walking on the beach. Barbara Jo (Sova) Thomas, of McKinney, Texas, and Beverly Ann (Sova) Skripsky, of Scottsdale, Ariz., both 67, were hit by a rogue wave that carried them out to sea. They both drowned.

Barbara and Beverly were devoted wives, mothers and grandmothers. Barbara was currently retired, but worked in the assisted living field caring for elderly citizens. Beverly also was currently retired, but had

a career as a travel agent.

Barbara and Beverly were born in Eldora, Iowa, on July 29, 1950, as twin sisters to Rudolph and Elsie Sova. Barbara and Beverly attended school in the Tama-Toledo area and graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids in 1968. Barbara graduated from the University of Iowa in 1972. Beverly attended Iowa State University and graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in 1974.

Beverly married Harold Skripsky on Dec. 27, 1970, in Cedar Rapids while Harold was in the armed services and was stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C. She resided in marriage with Harold in Naperville, Ill., Telluride, Colo., and Scottsdale, Ariz. To this union two children were born, Kelly Skripsky and Matthew Skripsky. They were fortunate to have 47 years of marriage together.

Barbara married Steve Thomas on July 8, 1972, in Cedar Rapids. They resided in marriage in Des Moines, Iowa, Shawnee, Kan., Plano, Texas, and McKinney, Texas. To this union one child was born, Todd Thomas. They were fortunate to have 45 years of marriage together.

Barbara and Beverly were preceded in death by their parents, Rudolph and Elsie Sova.

They are both survived by their brothers, Tom Sova, Baton Rouge, La., and Richard Sova, Chicago.

Surviving Beverly are her husband, Harold Skripsky, Scottsdale, Ariz.; two children, Kelly (Brandon) Hurter, Scottsdale, and Matthew (Keli) Skripsky, Mattoon, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Lincoln Hurter, Oscar Hurter, Elsie Hurter and Ace Skripsky.

Surviving Barbara are her husband, Steve Thomas, McKinney, Texas; one son, Todd (Jamille) Thomas, Prosper, Texas; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Thomas.

Lifelong best friends, the twin sisters were inseparable as they planned family get-togethers and joint vacations throughout their lives. They both will be truly missed by all who knew their friendly smiles, warm personalities and kind unwavering spirit to help anyone in need.

A joint Celebration of Life is scheduled for both sisters on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Plano. Services are planned at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd., Plano, followed by a lunch at Glen Eagles Country Club, 5401 W. Park Blvd., Plano.