Lela Thomas

LELA MAE THOMAS

Manchester

Lela Mae Thomas, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

She was born Dec. 5, 1934, in Arbela, Mo., the daughter of Roy and Hallie (Beard) Adams. Lela graduated from high school in Gorin, Mo.

On July 17, 1952, Lela was united in marriage to John

M. Thomas in Fort Madison. Five children were born to this union and together they resided in Earlville. Lela was a homemaker and a real estate agent for many years.

Lela enjoyed bingo, euchre, cards and following Maquoketa Valley sports. She was a long-time member of Earlville United Parish. She loved spending time with her family most of all.

Survivors include her four children, Carol (Charles) Dighton of Manchester, Mark (Lila) Thomas of Marion, Jeff (Donna) Thomas of Earlville and Bill (Laura) Thomas of Manchester; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Adams of Gorin, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Gary (Sharon) Thomas of Libertyville, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1991; an infant son, Johnny Michael Thomas; her brother, Roy Adams Jr.; and one sister, Mary Lou Adams Shaw.

Memorials may be directed to Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars.

Because of COVID-19, masks are required at the funeral home and at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Private family funeral service: Saturday, Feb. 27, at Earlville United Parish in Earlville with the Rev. Jill Mack officiating. Public visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Earlville United Parish. Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Earlville, Iowa. Casket Bearers: Jason Dighton, Drew Thomas, Nate Thomas, Jon Thomas, Jacob Thomas and Lucas Thomas.