Alta Mae Thomas, age 98, of Sparta, Missouri was born September 21, 1924 in Neosho, Missouri to William Clinton Whitman and Grace Bryan (Wolfenbarger) Whitman. She went into the arms of Jesus at 10:00 P.M. Friday night, December 9, 2022. On July 5, 1941 she married the love of her life, Dale Thomas, and they were married just shy of 74 years when he took his Heavenly home. Alta and Dale had two children, Sharon and Lannie, whom they loved dearly. They moved their family to California in 1945 where they remained for 18 years. She loved the beach, the warm weather, and just the whole atmosphere of the coast where they lived. Even after they moved to their farm in Sparta, Missouri in 1963, Alta always said a piece of her heart remained in California.
Alta had a very strong faith in Christ. She served Him through the church by teaching Sunday School for over 50 years. After retiring from teaching, they became members at Ridgecrest Baptist where Alta attended until becoming homebound. Her calling was teaching, her gift was hospitality, and because of her desire to share the love of God, she did both very well. Alta was a true homemaker. Her home was always ready and open to family and friends, but she took great pride in loving and caring for Dale most of all. Alta was known for attracting people from all walks of life; because of her relationship with the Lord, she had a heart for the hurting and an ability to talk with, counsel, and give godly advice to those who needed it. She ministered well, she loved big, touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
Alta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale; her son, Lannie; six brothers and a sister, along with numerous other beloved family members.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Graham and husband, Gary; grandson, Greg Graham and wife Michelle along with their children Jacob, Andrew, Emily, Cayleigh, Nathaniel, Corey, Tayven, and Darren; granddaughter Pam (Graham) Gaunt and husband Dwayne along with their children Tyler Ferguson and wife Ashley with daughter Mackenzie; Blake Ferguson; Zach Gaunt with daughter Fiona, and Courtney Gaunt; grandson, Chad Thomas and wife Brooke along with their children, Sarah Dowdy and husband Kyle with son Julian; Marshall, Tristan, Spencer, and Evan Thomas; one Sister, Betty Bray and husband Dean, and Sister-in-Law, Laverne Allen, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Alta would want you to know that the promise of God is true and the only way to get there is through Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
Funeral services for Alta Mae will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 13, 2022 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 1:00 P.M. until service time in the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
Leave a Condolence