Lynn Pier Thomas

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Rush Funeral Home - Philip

165 E. Hwy. 14

Philip, South Dakota

Lynn Thomas Obituary

Lynn Pier Thomas

LAS CRUCES, NM - Lynn Pier Thomas, age 81, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, formerly of Belvidere and Rapid City, South Dakota, and Loveland, Colorado, died on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the Aristocrat Assisted Living Community in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Lynn Pier Thomas, a resident of the Mesilla Valley in New Mexico, formerly of Rapid City, SD passed away on April 13, 2023.

Lynn was born on June 3, 1941 in Rapid City, SD, then went home to Belvidere, SD where she was reared, attended school, and graduated from Belvidere High School. Her father, James Edwin Pier, was in the U.S. Army in Germany for a time when Lynn and her younger sister Jill were toddlers. Her mother, Esther Velma Pier (nee Sundell) with the help of Lynn's grandparents, Mae and L.A. Pier, made sure the girls were well tended. Lynn's grandfather, L.A. Pier, was a true pioneer banker, and many in the family worked in the family bank, including Lynn.

In midlife Lynn returned to college and earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Sioux Falls College in 1974. She then spent 25 years as a social worker for Weld and Larimer counties in Colorado, serving in child protection, adoption, and family group decision-making. After her second husband died and she retired, Lynn left Colorado and moved to Rapid City. In her last years, she lived in New Mexico to be near her daughter. Lynn was a life-long reader and an adherent of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell. She doted on her several cats over the years, and she enjoyed solitude and quiet throughout her life.

Lynn is survived by her daughter, Erin O. Van Norman (Robert), Mesilla, NM and her son, Eric Osborn, Belvidere. Erin and Eric are the children from the marriage of Lynn and C.D. "Wib" Osborn. Lynn has a brother, William Pier (Dianne Woods) in Calgary, and a sister Tamara Pier (Dexter Wittman) of Rapid City and Phoenix. In addition to her parents, Lynn's younger sister, Jill Pier Peterson (Robert), and her second husband, Lowell Phillips Thomas predeceased her.

Per Lynn's request, there will be no formal memorial service. A private gathering will be held at a later date at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City. Memorials may be made in Lynn's name to the Cornerstone Rescue Mission, 30 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rapid City Journal from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Thomas

Sponsored by Rush Funeral Home - Philip.

4 Entries

Pam Teasdale

April 28, 2023

Lynn was a close friend of mine going back over 40 years. Lynn was a loyal friend, and we spent a good deal of time talking and laughing while "hanging out" and talking on the phone. Lynn was admired by her friends and co-workers. She was dedicated to her job as a social worker and enjoyed helping other workers new to the job. After Lynn´s delightful husband, Lowell Thomas, passed, I was sad to see her move to Rapid City. Our relationship continued on the phone with our two hour plus conversations. What did we talk about? Everything! My heart is broken now that Lynn is physically gone, but she will remain with me always. I saw someone refer to Lynn as a "beautiful soul." and that she was. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family, and I am especially grateful for her wonderful daughter, Erin Van Norman who was continually there to help her mother walk her path to the end of her time on this earth. Lynn will be missed by the many people she crossed paths with.
Pam Teasdale

Pam Teasdale

April 28, 2023

Lon Carlson and Kacy Murray

April 26, 2023

I am sorry to hear about Lynn.
We were co-workers for many years and friends even longer.
Lynn and Lowell were part of our Weld DSS "gang". As my husband said, "No one could party like Weld County Caseworkers". We continued to Larimer County but not at the same pace!
Lynn was a well-respected social worker by all who worked with her.
My fave memories of Lynn were she was easy to laugh and had the cutest twinkle in her eyes.
She was an impeccable dresser and a good interior designer who would be happy to give tips to others. Lynn, you will be missed!
Our sympathy to Lynn's family.
Lon and Kacy

Marsha Day

April 19, 2023

Lynn, I loved working with you and having fun with you and Sally. Your wit and humor were a blessing to us.

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