Deorseal “Dee” Thomas’ artistic spirit lives on with her children and grandchildren. Dee passed away on May 22, 2024, at the age of 85 after an unfortunate fall at her home. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing, who will always cherish their memories of her.
She was born on December 11, 1938, to William “Pen” and Sallie (Montgomery) Earls in Kennett, Missouri. Dee spent most of her early years with her parents, brothers, and sisters in Conway, Missouri on Route 66. After graduating from high school, Dee moved to Minneapolis where she met her husband, Kenneth “Ken” Thomas, and together they had four children. Dee moved back to Missouri in 2019 where she spent her final years surrounded by family and loved ones.
Dee pursued many different interests over the years and eventually started her own business, Dolly and Me, where her artistic, creative and business skills came together in producing porcelain dolls and teaching classes. She loved to play cards with family at weekly gatherings and enjoyed the lighthearted banter that ensued with each game. She cherished spending time with the friends she had made at the Lebanon Senior Apartments, who became an important part of her life.
Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, her parents, William and Sallie, and brothers/sisters: Katie (Bob) Thomas, Curtis (Dorothy), James, Gwen (Elwin) Pardue, Charles, and Wade (Eva).
Dee is survived by her children: Dave (Shari) Thomas, MaryAnn (Scott) Andersen, Micah (Larisa) Thomas, Vicki (Scott) Jay, grandchildren: Jason (Lindsay) Andersen, Arthur Andersen, Elise Gardner, Danny Jay, Jack Thomas, great-grandchildren: Sophie, Evie, Rosie, Soren Gardner, and Magnus Andersen, brothers: Alvin “Buck” (Kay) Earls, Gary (Dixie) Earls and many nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life will be on August 17th from 3-5pm for family and friends at the Conway Community Center, 102 W Madison Ave, Conway, Missouri. A smaller gathering will be held later in Minneapolis where she will be interred alongside her husband, Ken, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
