Virginia Carol Thomas

Virginia Carol Thomas, 81, passed peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, with her loved ones by her side.

Born on July 16, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois, to Amelia and Carl Acuff, she was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by her two older brothers, Carl and Eddie.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was married to her husband, Larry Thomas, for over 20 years until his passing. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and love. Virginia spent much of her life as a dedicated and loving homemaker, while also supporting Larry in his business, always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

Her legacy of love lives on through her three children, Russell, Deborah, and Diann; her eight grandchildren; and her twenty great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Virginia's home was a place of warmth and welcome for all. No one ever left hungry, often with leftovers tucked away in butter containers. She loved cooking big family meals and baking desserts, especially when it meant gathering everyone together. Through her love of cooking, she taught her children and grandchildren a style all her own, never measuring, always guided by "a pinch of this and a pinch of that." Her kitchen became the heart of her home, a space she was able to remodel after winning many jackpots over the years while enjoying her favorite pastime, gambling at Prairie Meadows.

That kitchen went on to host countless holidays, meals, laughter, and memories. It was also where her playful side shined, as she'd sometimes convince her grandchildren to taste unfamiliar or bitter sauces just to see their reactions, her laughter filling the room and making it impossible not to smile when she laughed.

She had the greenest of thumbs and found great joy in tending her gardens. She loved planting fruit trees, growing vegetables, and filling her yard with flowers. While living across from the fairgrounds, her beautifully kept yard even earned her a Best Looking Yard award from the fair, a reflection of the pride and care she put into everything she nurtured. In quieter moments, that same love showed through as she crocheted blankets, her hands always busy creating something meaningful. Those handmade pieces became cherished reminders of her care.

Virginia was also an avid animal lover. Her heart belonged especially to Metro, her boxer who loved cheeseburgers and ice cream from Burger King; Lady, her border collie mix; and Joey, her shy but sweet little orange kitten. They were more than pets, they were family.

Gentle and nurturing, yet stubborn in the best way, she was independent, determined, and very much a do-it-yourself kind of woman with a toolbox always ready to be used. She showed her love through actions, through care, through food, and through simply being there.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.