Martha Ann Thomas, daughter of Orion and Dorothy (Byers) Thomas, was born June 25, 1955 at Primghar, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm near Sanborn, Iowa and attended school there, graduating with the class of 1973. She furthered her education at Huron College (now Huron University) located in Huron, South Dakota, earning her BS degree.
Following college, Martha was employed as a dedicated social worker in the Iowa cities of Sheldon, Spencer, and Webster City. While at Sheldon, she served as a Cottage Leader at Handicap Village (now Village Northwest Unlimited); she also worked for the Department of Human Services as a social worker until her retirement. Martha was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sanborn where she taught Sunday School and acted as church deacon.
Martha generously shared her gifts of joy and affection with her family whom she dearly loved. Her faith, family, and friends were all very important to her, and she especially treasured her time with her nephew, Brenton. Martha also enjoyed traveling, and had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, Alaska, and Norway.
She lived her life loving and caring for others, putting their well-being ahead of her own. Her compassion brought peace and happiness to the many people she served, and she will always be remembered for her dedication to those in need.
Martha entered into eternal life on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the age of 66 years. She once again joins her parents, Orion and Dorothy Thomas; grandparents: Arthur and Sylvia (Pearl) Thomas, and Loren and Emma Byers; and other departed family members.
Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Mary (Steve) Agar of Sibley, Iowa; her brother, James (Lori) Thomas and nephew, Brenton Thomas all of Hartley, Iowa; other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service was held June 10 at Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel, Sanborn, Iowa with Dr. Lynn Dau officiating.
Pallbearers were Jim Thomas, Lori Thomas, Brenton Thomas, Steve Agar, Mary Agar, Lowell Dykstra and Ron Schott.
Musical selections included “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.”
Interment was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Primghar, Iowa.
Sanborn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.