Thomas, Lola E.

Lola E. Thomas, 95, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at Cottage Grove Place. Services: 9 a.m. Thursday, Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Karen Young officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service Thursday at the chapel.

Survivors include a daughter, Norma (Don) Hentges of Sahuarita, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Linda Thomas of Cedar Rapids; and grandchildren, Theresa (Stephan) Messal, Christine (Christopher) Adam, Don (Sara) Hentges, Peter (Nandiara) Hentges, RuthAnn Hentges, John (Kate) Matthews,and Sara Matthews.

Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a very good friend, Mannie Kaufman; and several nieces and nephews.

Lola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LeRoy Thomas; son, Martin; an infant son and daughter; two sisters; and six brothers.

Lola Emmaline Gillis was born Dec. 11, 1913, in rural Shellsburg, Iowa, to Porter and Della Gillis. She married LeRoy Thomas in 1930, he preceded her in death in 1962. She later married George Rosewall in 1974, they later separated.

Lola worked 38 years in downtown stores and would retire from Armstrong's as a buyer and served on their board of directors. After retirement, Lola enjoyed volunteer work and spending her free time traveling, fishing, sewing, reading and gardening.

She was a member of Lovely Lane Methodist Church, St. Luke's Auxiliary, Moose Lodge, VFW Lodge and a former Woman of the Year with American Business Women.

Memorials may be directed to Lovely Lane Methodist Church, 2424 42nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA52402, in memory of Lola Thomas.

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