Virginia Rose Thomas

Virginia Rose (Burgess) Thomas, 91, died March 8, 2019 at The Monarch in Lincoln, Neb. She was born Sept. 13, 1927 to Joseph and Rose Burgess, and grew up on the family farm near Denton. She graduated as valedictorian from Rokeby High School in 1945. She married John L. Thomas of Bennet, Neb. in 1951, and raised two sons, John B. Thomas and Matthew L. Thomas, both born in Lincoln. The family later relocated to the Kansas City area, then Oswego, Kan. Virginia returned to Lincoln in 1979. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Rose Burgess, former husband John L. Thomas, and her long-time friend and dance partner Fred “Bud” Petsch. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law John (Terry) Thomas and Matthew (Barbara) Thomas; sister Twyla Lidolph; grandchildren Joel (Liz) Thomas, Anna Thomas, Melanie Thomas, Emily Thomas and Andrew Thomas; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Virginia’s true passion was dancing, and her favorite memories were of hitting the dance floor with cherished friends. She described her favorite place as “on the dance floor.” Virginia never missed a chance to play cards with friends and family. Many happy memories were made and shared over a friendly – but competitive – game of pitch. She was a great fan of baseball, especially when her sons and grandchildren played. She never missed a game when John and Matt were growing up, always providing her support from the bleachers. Virginia was especially fond of cats, often describing them as “adorable!” She fondly recalled playing dress-up with the kittens on the family farm while growing up. When she didn’t have a cat living with her, she at least adorned her living quarters and checkbook with their images. Virginia loved the holidays, especially the Christmas and Thanksgiving get-togethers with extended family. During her later years, family members could always expect a gift of lovingly prepared fudge from her. She was an incredibly dedicated and talented worker, using her administrative gifts to serve the many Lincoln and Kansas areas firms she worked for, where she built many life-long relationships. After retirement, she continued to use her administrative skills as the organizer for the “Lunch Bunch” and her card groups. Her memory will be cherished by her family, relatives and friends. Services: Wed., March 13 at 12:30 p.m., Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation: 5-7:30 p.m. Tues., March 12, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Capital Humane Society or The Monarch.