Debbie Sue Thomas' Obituary
Debbie Sue Thomas, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the age of 64 at Centerville MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa surrounded by her loved ones.
Debbie was born on October 20, 1958 in Centerville to Milton and Margaret Thomas.
Early in her life her parents detected notable signs of potential special needs and she was referred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. Because of her special needs Debbie lived in a group home in Pella, Iowa from the age of 20. She worked in the sheltered workshop and Christian Opportunity Center. She made many friends with both the residents and that staff. She had a special friendship with John Rugee.
Debbie received her education in the Centerville Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1977.
Debbie was a member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. The church members always made sure she had a decorated cake to celebrate her birthday every year. There she was taught how to read the Bible and she chose the scriptures to have at her funeral.
In April 2021 Debbie moved back to Centerville and resided at the Zylpha Price House to be near her family. She attended Day Habilitation at Centerville Community Betterment.
Debbie was a kind, sweet person with a big heart and loved giving big hugs. Debbie enjoyed her family especially at Christmas, baby showers and weddings. Her favorite things to do was go to ice-cream shops for Ice-cream blizzard flurries. Debbie's favorite color was purple which she reflected through her clothing and room décor. She had a love for dogs and also enjoyed bowling.
Debbie enjoyed the company of her boyfriend Bruce Kepner who always made her very happy and they enjoyed going on dinner dates together.
Debbie is survived by her siblings Mike (Joyce) Thomas, Jane (Gary) Whitney, Sally Embree, Judy (Danny) Clark, Jeannie (Craig) Houser, and Marsha Whisler; many nieces and nephews and her boyfriend she loved, Bruce Kepner.
She is preceded in death by her parents Milton and Margaret Thomas, her maternal grandparents, John and Etta Sackfield, her paternal grandparents, Pete and Pauline Thomas, uncles Kevin Whisler and Richard Embree.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville on Saturday, February 4th with Larry Bettis officiating. Visitation will take place Saturday, February 4, 2023 with family greeting friends from 10am-11am. A burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Mike Thomas to be used to support/donate to persons with disabilities in our community. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
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