Sara Thomas

Sara Ruth Thomas was born on December 12, 1940, at the Indian Hospital in Homer, Nebraska, the daughter of Chester and Jean (Pease) Young. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith and later confirmed on June 6, 1964, at St. John Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, Iowa. Sara received her education through the Sloan and Whiting Consolidated Schools, where she earned recognition for achievement in scholarship. She later completed her education by earning her GED on March 15, 1968.

In June of 1956, Sara was united in marriage to Herb Morey. They were blessed with two sons, Dale Herbert and Marc Leroy. Early in their marriage, Sara and Herb picked corn out of the fields to earn enough money for a bus ticket to California. After returning from California and later parting ways with Herb, Sara met Max Thomas.

On June 6, 1960, Sara was united in marriage to Max Thomas in Nebraska. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Karen and Nancy Lynn. Sara and Max worked hard to raise their family, building a life centered on determination, love, and adventure. Sara often joked that she had been “in charge since she was two years old,” and she lived that way until the very end. While strong-willed and independent, she had an especially soft spot for her grandchildren, whom she often said were her world.

Sara eventually entered the antique business in 1975, with Max later joining her. Together, they refinished furniture and traveled across the country attending antique shows, Max handling repairs and Sara completing the refinishing. Their grandchildren often accompanied them on these trips, and Sara made it a priority to “mix cousins,” ensuring they knew one another and formed lasting friendships. Even during her final days, Sara remained connected to her passion, staying in contact with longtime antique dealers and friends. She was still wheeling and dealing, including the sale of an old Emory cabinet that an antique dealer plans to name “Sara’s Dream.”

In 1986, Sara and Max purchased 80 acres outside of Denison, which became their cherished home. They embraced farm life, fondly referring to it as their “piece of paradise”, pun intended, as it is located in Paradise Township.

Sara loved to stay busy. She had a deep passion for scrapbooking, which she shared with her daughters and sister. She enjoyed traveling, home remodeling projects, and spending time with family and friends, especially during winters in Quartzsite, Arizona. Sara loved cooking and hosting large gatherings, and she was always willing to share her knowledge and wisdom, particularly when it came to the Extreme Low-Budget RV Living Facebook group.

Sara passed away surrounded by family and under loving care on Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home near Denison, at the age of 85 years, one month and four days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Max Thomas; son: Dale Morey, daughter, Nancy Tucker; siblings: Dennis Young, David Young and Julie French.

She is survived by her son, Marc (partner Josie) Morey of Chula Vista, California and daughter, Karen (Rob) Smith of Omaha, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; Rosanne Van Etten of Smithland, Tom (Susan) Young of Sioux City, Dan Young of Council Bluffs, Rob (Teresa) Young of Montana; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

An open house will be held Saturday afternoon on June 13, 2026, at the family farm. Her memorial service will be conducted by Chaplain Owen Englin.