A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Lila Mary Thomas, age 71, of Avon, will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, July 25th, 2013 at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany. Dan Brady will officiate. Lila died at her home Thursday evening after a courageous ten month battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. There will be a visitation after 10:00 AM until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home in Albany. Arrangements are being made through the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, Albany.Lila was born on March 24, 1942 in Melrose to Aloys and Marie (Poepping) Thomes. She grew up in the Melrose and Belgrade area and graduated from Belgrade High School. Lila married Ronald Olk on September 19, 1964 and together they had three children Jackie, Jill, and Jason. She later married David Thomas on November 21, 1981 in St. Cloud and was gifted six additional children Jay, John, Eileen, Traci, Adam, and Eric. Lila worked as a sales manager for Weeres Industries until she retired in 1999. She was a very social lady who enjoyed crosswords, horseracing, trips to the casino, wintering with friends in Florida, and living life to the fullest. Lila was an avid fisher and loved the time spent with family at the lake house. She especially enjoyed watching the sunrise on the dock with her morning coffee. Lila was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was a class act and will be missed by all.Lila is survived by her children, Jackie (Tim) Huver, Sartell; Jill Olk (Ken From), St. Joseph; Jason (Joan) Olk, Maple Grove; Jay (Sue) Thomas, Sauk Rapids; John (Dianne) Thomas, Little Rock, AR; Eileen Thomas (Bret), Coon Rapids; Traci Heitland (Ed), Richmond; Adam (Jeannie) Thomas, Del Mar, CA; Eric (Laura) Thomas, Temecula, CA; 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; her siblings Joann (Jerry) Loecken, Plymouth; Jerry (Gloria) Thomes, Little Falls; Ken (Kathy) Thomes, Melrose; Mary Kay (Ron) Althaus, Melrose; Karen (Greg) Studer, St. Cloud; Brenda (Dave) Blonigen, Avon; her loving friend James Cox, Bradenton, FL; and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents Aloys “Al” and Marie Thomes, her husband David in 2010, and Jessica, an infant daughter.The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful support to care for Lila. A special thanks to Meagan for the care and compassion she showed to Lila and the children.Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society and St. Croix Hospice.
Schedule and Information
Visitation Details
There will be a visitation after 10:00 AM until the time of service on Thursday, July 25, 2013.
Visitation Location
Miller-Carlin Funeral Home Albany, MN Due to the road construction on Main Street in Albany, make note that routes to funeral home are different. If coming from I94, take right turn on Church Avenue and a left turn on second street. You must then take gravel driveway behind Straightline Auto Glass and into funeral home parking lot. If coming from 238, take right on Midland Avenue and follow all the way across town to 8th Street where you will take a left. Proceed through thefour way stop. Take left on Church Avenue and follow directions listed above off of Church Avenue.
Visitation Map
Memorials
Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society and St. Croix Hospice.
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To the Olk,Thomas and Thomes Families,
We offer to you our very deepest sympathy on the passing of Lila. It is no surprise to anyone who knew her how in such a short time this sparkling woman weaved her way through my family’s hearts. From my brothers a/k/a “the boyfriends” who would knock each other down to help her first, to my parents and other siblings, I would say to Lila Blue House thanks for the lovely memories, beautiful lady. Our lives are so much fuller for having known you and we will never be the same in your absence. To her children I will say carry on the legacy your Mom instilled in each of you. And always be sure of the pride she felt and the deep love she held for all of you. And that certainly includes her wonderful siblings who are such a great group. Thank you for letting us walk this path these past months. It will always be extremely special and never forgotten. And remember, it isn’t good-bye. It is simply until we meet again. Until that reunion, May God Always Bless your Families.
I just want to tell you how proud I am of you girls and the wonderful, caring way you took care of your Mom these past few months! I loved her more than any words could possibly express and will miss her deeply. Thank you for letting me be there these past few weeks, it meant so much to me! May God hold you close and comfort you!
We are sorry we can’t be at the service today to honor Lila. We pray that you will experience God’s peace and presence today as you remember her. I have fond memories of the way she enjoyed life, of her laughter and her positive, encouraging attitude.
I am sorry for any pain I brought on to your family, and especially Jackie. The years we were in love and living together are precious memories to me. I will remember Lila as she was, a strong and courageous woman, fearless but also loving. I loved her once, and her daughters so much. I have been many years living outside the USA, but I have never lost the thought of how much Lila and her family and my true loves meant to me. Life has taught me so much, through my travels, through love and loss. But I really think this lovely lady is in heaven now, with her Husband David, and one day we will all meet. I pray it is so – Mark A – [email protected]