Obituaries & Condolences

It's been a year now Mom. I think about you all the time. Soon your ashes will rest in the mountains of North Carolina. A pretty beautiful place to spend eternity.

Nana, I am still having a hard time accepting that you are no longer with us. A memory of you runs through my mind daily. I was lucky to have the classiest & sassiest grandma there ever was. I miss you & love you.

Dear Soyrietta’s family, I’m so sorry to hear of Soyrietta’s passing. In early photos I see the beautiful petite woman with the same vivacious spirit she embodied throughout her life. Sweetly flirtatious, welcoming, and always well-dressed with a touch of sparkle, Soyrietta was not one to sit and wait for the world to come to her, she slipped on her sliver shoes and stepped out. With a smile, a laugh and a good quip, Soyrietta brightened any gathering. A lovely Southern woman… so sharp and funny and so very dear… I will miss her greatly. My Deepest Sympathy to you. Suzanne

I lived in the Fiji house during Mom Thomas's first year as our house mother — believe me, it was never a dull moment for her! For many years after I left, I always made sure that I visited Soyrietta when I was in Iowa City. She was a wonderful woman who had her heart in the right place. She truly cared for all of us and we appreciated her dedication. Rest in peace Mom Thomas! You will forever be a part of the memories that I have of one of the most outstanding parts of my life.

Mom, we are missing you very much and were so glad that we received the gift of taking care of you these past 18 months. Dudley "the cat" is missing his Nana too. All is love - all is well. Be at peace.

Dixie: Thank you for sharing that lovely obit. I'm glad I got to meet your mother one time. You're such a good daughter to her, and you're lucky to have a wonderful family. Take care, cuz! Sarah H. Rutledge

Mom Thomas will always hold a special place in my heart. I will forever remember her genuine kindness and gentle nature. She amazed me with her grace and ability to impart civility to a new group of untamed men each year at Phi Gamma Delta. She is a standard to which we hold the position to this day. Peace to you, Mom, and God bless your family in their loss.

Mom Thomas will truly be missed by me and my FIJI brothers. During my time in the house 1986-1990, I truly enjoyed my time spent with her whether it be at dinner with her, sharing a talk during wheel of fortune or having a beer at one of our socials. She was a great house mother and a more wonderful lady. To her family, I miss you God's peace in helping you with her loss. May her memory be eternal. Paul Muchulas FIJI class of '90

Mom T was as classy as they come. I have no idea how she did it, but she made a positive impression on every young man that walked through the doors of FIJI. She will be missed.

Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your mother&grandmother. I always thought of Sorietta has one of the classy looking grandmother's. Be at rest lovely lady looking over your Carolina mountains.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. Soytietta was indeed a grand lady with a generous and joyous spirit. I was privileged to work with and learn from her when we were both house directors at UI. I hope the family can take comfort from knowing she touched so many lives in a positive way.

Much love to the Thomas family during this difficult time.

Dixie, Scott, our prayers are with you and your family. Soyrietta will be truely missed.