Sarah Ann Thomas

Sarah Ann (Sally) Thomas, of Clive, Iowa (formerly of Eagle Grove, Iowa), passed away on June 23, 2025 surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy rich with music, intellect, friendship, and devotion to family.
Born on September 4, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, Sally was the daughter of David and Elva Wright. Her early years were filled with promise and talent that would define her life's journey. She began high school at the remarkable age of 13 and graduated from Adel High School at 16. During those formative years, her exceptional musical talent shone brightly - she was selected as an alto saxophonist for the Iowa All-State Band all four years of high school and as first chair as a senior.
At just 16, Sally entered Drake University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. While at Drake, she was named a finalist in both the Drake Beauty Pageant and the national Tau Kappa Epsilon Sweetheart contest. She was also a proud member of the Mu Phi Epsilon music sorority and served as President of the Delta Zeta social sorority.
While at Drake, she met Tommy C. (T.C.) Thomas, a talented trumpet player who was also studying music. In 1954, they were married, beginning a partnership in both life and music that spanned 60 years. Together, they raised two children, Teresa (Terri) Trepp (Marty) and Tom C. Thomas (Julie), and cherished five grandchildren - Tyler Trepp (Lauryn), Meghan Gambrall (Ryan), and Michael, Lauren, and Elizabeth Thomas - and four great-grandchildren, Carly Trepp and Nash, Jack, and Berklee Gambrall.
Sally's professional life was devoted to music education and performing. She taught woodwinds, public school music, and private piano in Panora, Ida Grove, and Eagle Grove, Iowa. Generous with her time and gifts, she accompanied countless student musicians in their vocal and instrumental solo contests. She and T.C. also enjoyed performing with numerous musical groups over their years together.
Sally and T.C. lived in Eagle Grove for over 50 years, where Sally was an active part of the community - playing Sunday night bridge, hosting wild game dinners, baking for church socials, and forging lifelong friendships. During that time, she was a devoted member of the Eagle Grove United Methodist Church. For many of these years, they spent their summers at their cabin at Lake Cornelia, near Clarion, Iowa, where they entertained family and friends.
After retirement, Sally and T.C. spent 22 winters in Mesa, Arizona, where T.C. played trumpet and Sally played keyboard/piano with local jazz bands and vocal groups. Sally enjoyed many hobbies - playing piano, reading, bridge, crossword puzzles, scrabble, cribbage, sewing, golf, and, most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband T.C. in 2014 and her parents, sister Delma Wright, and brother David Wright.
Sally's wishes were simple-cremation and a private family prayer service. Memorials may be made in her honor to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Iowa Heart Center (which provided cardiac medication support through a Johnson & Johnson grant).
Sally lived a long and wonderful life, filled with music, humor, and deep affection for those she loved.
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