Ida Thomas

Ida L. Thomas, 93, Dover, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 06, 2015. Ida was born October 15, 1921, in Keene KS, the daughter of Opal Nicely Olson, although she and her brother, Edward were raised by their grandparents, Edith and Al Nicely. Edward was killed in Belgium on March 23, 1945, and was buried in Henri-Chappell Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ida attended Snokomo Grade School and graduated from Alma High School in 1939. She was married on October 23, 1940 to LeRoy Schutter at Alma to which four children were born, Ronald LeRoy, Allan Francis (who was killed 15 months after returning from Vietnam), Sharon Kay and Allana Rae. LeRoy died of cancer. On March 12, 1954, Ida and Clayton Thomas were married. They had three children, Connie Sue, Paul Edward and Everette Clayton. The family moved to Dover in 1954, where they lived until Clayton’s death on December 2, 2009, and where Ida continued to live. For many years, Ida operated the Royal Beauty Salon in her home. She retired from the State of Kansas in 1987 as supervisor of motor carrier registration after 15 years of service. She was a member of the Social Club, Royal Neighbors for 73 years, Dover Federated Church, the Ladies’ Aide and Order of the Eastern Star for 65 years. Ida was an avid Kansas City Royals fan. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, sewing and crocheting, giving many hand-made gifts to members of her family. Ida loved her family and was loved and treasured by them. Her presence will be greatly missed. Grateful to have shared Ida’s life are her children, Ronald and JoAnn Schutter, Eskridge, Kay Sanneman and Dewey, Cheney, Allana Barngrover, Topeka, Connie Miller, Harveyville, Paul Thomas and Joy, Auburn, and Everette Thomas and Judy, Harveyville; 13 grandchildren, Galen Schutter, Diane Burlew, John Schutter, Jason Schutter, Chris Hays, Debra Lathers, Bruce Hays, Heather Dunlap, D.C. Sterbenz, Miya Godfrey, Allan Thomas, Rick Thomas, and Melissa Schlegel: 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Marian Orton, Topeka; brother-in-law, Harold Gleason, Maple Hill; sisters-in-law, Mary Thomas, Harveyville and Jerry Thomas, Burlingame; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ida was also preceded in death by her step-father and mother, Francis M. (Frank) and Opal Shipp; sister, Pauline Love; brothers, Paul Shipp, Edward Olson, and Merle Shipp; great-grandson, Quinton Schutter; and son-in-law, Dennis Miller. Family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Dover Federated Church, Dover KS. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church. Burial will follow in Dover Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Dover Community Center, PO Box 244, Dover KS 66420 or in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614 . Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Ida Thomas

October 15, 1921 - August 6, 2015