Rhonda Thomas

Rhonda Thomas, 54, of Oskaloosa, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Rhonda Lee Thomas, daughter of Ronny “Jake” Gene and Donna Lee (Knowler) Hughes, was born May 4, 1970, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The family lived in rural Gibson, and Rhonda attended Tri-County Schools. On February 12, 1988, she married Jerry Dean Thomas; they made their home in Beacon, and Rhonda was a homemaker raising their five children. They later divorced. After her children were older, Rhonda held various jobs, including Everspring Hotel Manager, YMCA Director of Facilities, and Mahaska Health Environmental Services Supervisor. When having fun, Rhonda enjoyed the Southern Iowa Speedway races. Rhonda was a stubborn and determined gal with a spitfire attitude and personality. She had no qualms about expressing her opinions and generously gave her children corrections and advice. She loved shopping and looking for bargains, and her generosity overflowed in well-stocked rooms of supplies readily available to her children and any needy organization. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy; spending time with them was something she cherished; she knitted each a blanket, leaving each a comforting reminder of Grandma. Her family includes her children: Jerad Thomas of Oskaloosa, Heather (Corey Gabel) Thomas of Oskaloosa, Katlyn (Braden Lamb) Thomas of New Sharon, Trenton (Randee Hill) Thomas of Oskaloosa, and Kyle (Miranda Darrah) Thomas of Beacon; 10 grandchildren: Aidan, Keaton, Bentley Graham; Oliver Gabel; Kami, Mila, Malachi, and Amara Thomas; Aubrey Myers; and Everleigh Lamb; her siblings: Dean (Deb) Hughes of Rose Hill, Ron Hughes of Beacon, Jerry (Sandy) Hughes of Oskaloosa, Jay (Jamie) Hughes of Knoxville, and Doreen (Jason) Rippey of Fairfield; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and her faithful dog, Charlie. In addition to her parents, Rhonda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and an infant brother, Bryan. Graveside Funeral Services for Rhonda will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Beacon Cemetery, with Pastor Molly Goodrich of the First Christian Church officiating. A visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the family.

Rhonda Thomas

May 4, 1970 - June 16, 2024