Mala Thomas

A celebration of life gathering will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher funeral Home in Chariton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Almost Home Animal Rescue, 118 Lincoln Ave, Chariton, Iowa 50049.

A private family burial will be held at the Niswender Cemetery.

Mala Ann (Peterson) Thomas, 68, of Omaha, NE, passed away July 13, 2025. Mala was born August 24, 1956, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Joyce and Don Peterson. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1974.

In 1980 Mala married Randy Thomas, and together they were blessed with two children: Kyla and Tyler. They lived in Chariton after their marriage and then later moved to Omaha.

Mala became a CNA and worked at nursing homes and then Children's Nebraska Pediatric Hospital. She worked for Millard Schools as a teacher's assistant. She was a supervisor of Peer and Community Support at Catholic Charities of Omaha Campus of Hope, assisting those addicted to drugs and alcohol transition into the community after treatment. Mala then worked at Community Alliance as a Peer Support Specialist. Helping, once again, people with mental health and addiction in recovery. From there she went to work for Douglas County Department of Corrections until her breast cancer diagnosis forced her to retire.

Mala had her own addictions and challenges, but she found a way to counsel and support others to help improve their situation.

Mala was funny, sassy, and classy with a boho chic style. She was a very caring person and would give the shirt off her back to someone if they needed it. Everyone will remember her for her very forgiving and patient personality. Mala was a great friend to those who called her friend. She loved her family in Nebraska and the ones here in Chariton deeply. Although she lived in Omaha, her home was here on the farm in Chariton. She will be missed and loved greatly but never forgotten.

Sadly in 2023, her son, Tyler passed away leaving a huge hole in her heart. She was also preceded in death by her parents: Don and Joyce Peterson; brother, Michael; brother-in-law, Jeff Moody; and grandparents: Paul and Martha Peterson and Harry and Maxine Jennings.

Surviving is her husband, Randy Thomas; daughter, Kyla; grandchildren: Zachary, Zane, Zayla, Zanna, Phoenix, and Isabella; great grandson, Zayden; siblings: Cindy Masters-Moody and Scott (Danielle) Peterson; aunt, Sharon Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.