Deborah Thomas

Deborah “Deb” Christine Thomas, age 75, of Albia, IA, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her home. 

    Deb was born on August 1, 1950, to Jess and Luella (Graham) Welt at the Smith Hospital in Albia, IA.  She grew up attending school and graduated from the Albia High School with the Class of 1968.  On September 28, 1969, Deb was united in marriage to William Thomas at the Brethren Church in Avery.  Deb and Bill were blessed with 2 children, Lori and Jason, and 57 years of marriage prior to Deb’s passing.   

    Upon Bill getting out of the service, he and Deb made their home in Granger, IA, until 1973.  They later moved to Madrid, IA, where they lived for several years before returning to Albia in 2010.  After having children, she devoted her time to being a stay-at-home mom, also caring for other children in her home.  She later rejoined the workforce at the Madrid School District where she was a teacher’s aide and worked in food service for many years up until her retirement in 2010.

   Deb was a woman of strong faith and was a member of the Brethren Church in Avery.  In her younger years, she was active in a bowling league, enjoyed playing cards, and loved playing golf and tennis.  She later enjoyed coaching her children in soccer and softball.  She loved watching sports of all sorts and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball fan.  She enjoyed being outdoors, tending to her garden and took pride in taking care of her yard.  She was an excellent cook and baker, known for her chocolate chip cookies, twinkie cake, and homemade dinner rolls.  Deb found joy in quilting, needlework, and reading mystery and suspense novels.  Deb loved the music of the 60’s and 70’s, especially Neil Diamond and the Beach Boys, with her favorite song being “Spirit in the Sky.”  Although Fall was her favorite season, she enjoyed decorating for all of the holidays and seasons.  Above all else, her true joy in life was being loved by Bill.    

    Deb is survived by her husband, Bill Thomas of Albia; 2 children, Lori (Chris) Baldwin of Ravenwood, MO and Jason (Heather) Thomas of Ankeny; 8 grandchildren, Tiffany Sportsman, C.J. (Erin) Baldwin, Sarah (Sheldon) Saxton, Emma Baldwin, Breanna (Stetson) Owen, Cameron (Samantha) Hertzler, Graham Thomas, and Avabelle Thomas; 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Andee (Tom Woodard), mother-in-law, Lois Thomas; sisters-in-law, Marla Thomas and Jean (Gary) Herr; and brother-in-law, Terry (Cricket) Thomas.  Deb is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.    

    She is preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Luella Welt; a brother in infancy, Gary Welt; a sister, Cheryl Harnden; her father-in-law, Reese Thomas; and brother-in-law, Danny Thomas.    

    Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Deb’s family present to greet family and friends. 

    Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia.  Burial will follow services at Pleasant Divide Cemetery in Monroe County. 

    In lieu of flowers, Deb’s family requests that donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice in her honor.   

   Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.