Linda Thome

Linda C. Thome, 80, of Osage, IA passed away from cancer Friday, December 8, 2023 at her home with her family at her side. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Little Cedar Mennonite Church, 4248 Primrose Avenue, Little Cedar, IA 50454, there will be a lunch to follow. Visitation will be Friday at Schroeder Funeral Homes, St. Ansgar from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Mona, IA. Linda was born in Mount Joy, PA on November 1, 1943 to Clyde and Dorothy (Detwiler) Sumpman. Growing up, she could often be found helping in the tobacco fields on her family’s farm or riding her horse. Perhaps the most impactful part of her childhood was the fact that she lived in a farmhouse with 3 generations until she was age 9. Seeing her Great Grandmother Royer pray daily and explain to her the importance of seeking God first and his righteousness, led her to choose Matthew 6:33 as her life verse. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. She wrote it in the front cover of every Bible or item of importance to her for the next 70 years of her life and strove to live it daily. Linda graduated from Donegal High School near Mount Joy, PA in 1961 where she participated in honor classes, enjoyed her home economic courses and was a member of the rifle team. Since Linda found her passion in helping others, she enrolled in nursing school. She graduated receiving her nursing certificate from Lancaster General Hospital Nursing School in 1964. Linda valued her time in the hospital as a Registered Nurse caring for others. In 1966, Linda was united in marriage to W. Roger Thome. Beginning their lives together on a farm in Pennsylvania, Linda’s care soon transitioned to that of her children. In 1978, they moved to Iowa to farm. Her nursing skills were again utilized to care for and manage their hog farrowing operation, along with detailed record keeping. Linda always had a large vegetable garden and also enjoyed floral arranging from her flower beds. She always found a way to throw together a meal when Roger invited many guests to their home over the years. Her interests also included reading and research about medical issues using more of a natural approach. Continuing to care for her family and many friends, she often put more time into them than herself. She was active in studying her Bible, teaching Sunday School classes and taking detailed sermon or Bible Study notes. Linda dedicated herself to serving her Lord Jesus Christ through serving others. Survivors include her husband, Roger; two children, Daniel (Kristine) Thome of Moorcroft, WY and Betsy (Joel) Schillerstrom of Lone Tree, IA; fourteen grandchildren, Trevor, Sawyer, Carter, Sadie, Lottie, Connor, Josie, Hildie, Fletcher, Haddie, Oliver and Millie Thome and Ty and Cody Schillerstrom; and a sister, Sylvia (David) Moyer of Mt. Joy, PA.