Obituary of Lora N. Thomas

Lora N. Thomas, 99 formerly of 725 Clark Street, Iowa City, died Monday, December 18, 2006, at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City. Family services were held on Tuesday, with burial at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent for her family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Lora Naomi Olsen was born April 2, 1907, in Sexton, Iowa the daughter of George C. and Carrie (Sorensen) Olsen. At the age of 16 she graduated from Algona High School, Algona, Iowa. She then taught in a country school until she was old enough to attend the State University of Iowa. She graduated with honors from the School of Nursing with the Class of 1929; this class was the first class that graduated from the hospital on the west side of the river. She married Raymond Thomas in 1930 here in Iowa City. Following the births of their two children, Bill and Erma Joan, Lora returned to the nursing profession. First in private practice, and then with the Perkins's Children's Hospital in Iowa City, where she supervised the Pediatric Metabolism Unit for over fifty years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City and had also attended Parkview Evangelical Free Church. Lora belonged to several professional organizations, and had co-authored numerous papers in her respective field. She enjoyed fishing in the North Woods of Canada when she was younger. In later years she made hundred of quilts for the Woman's Shelter, and also made mittens, dresses, bandages, etc. for church world mission services. Her family includes her two children, Bill Thomas and his wife, Yvonne of Marion; and Erma Jo "Erda" Thomas of Iowa City; grandchildren, Ric Thomas and his wife, Lori, and Diane Yockstick and her husband, Jerry; great-grandchildren, Bill Thomas, Cam Thomas, and Drew Yockstick. She was preceded in parents, six brothers and sisters. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Lora's family and her services.