Rosa Thomas Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
On November 28, 1959, Rosa married Larry Leroy Thomas in New London, Iowa. They moved to Hutchinson in 1965, and lived there until moving to Wichita in 1988. They shared almost 56 years of marriage prior to his death on October 26, 2015.
After gettng married, Rosa taught Sunday School at the Church of Christ in Hutchinson, took care of her four children, and ran a day care from her home in Hutchinson. One of her favorite jobs after her children were all grown was working at K-Mart. Rosa loved helping people find what they were looking for at the store.
In addition, she enjoyed gardening, watching birds and squirrels in the backyard, going to church, and was an avid reader. Rosa was a member of East Point Church of Christ, Wichita.
She is survived by: one son, Bradley (Andi) Thomas of El Dorado; two daughters, Brenda Hanes of Sterling and Sheryl (Jim) Wells of Flagstaff, AZ; six grandchildren, Elizabeth (Adam) Walmsley of Wichita, Michael McLaughlin of Paris, TX, Eric (April) McLaughlin of Reno, TX, Emily Hanes of Wichita, Edward Hanes of Sterling, Charles Thomas of El Dorado, and John Thomas of El Dorado; two great-grandchildren; four step great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Lucille Huber of Columbia, MO.
Rosa was preceded in death by: her parents Kenneth and Dorothy; brother John Wiles; husband Larry Thomas; and her oldest daughter, Julia Thomas Waggener.
Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd, Hutchinson, with John Langley officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Rosa by going outside to enjoy flowers, watching birds and other animals, and making sure to feed the animals in your backyard. Or sing "You Are My Sunshine" or make someone laugh, read a good book and then share it with a friend, and hug your family members. If you wish to send a memorial, please do so to a charitable cause of your own choosing, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Make a Donation
in Rosa Thomas's name
People and places connected with Rosa
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Rosa's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rosa Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
