Miriam Linda Thor

Miriam Linda Thor, 84, passed away on April 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A lifelong resident of Davenport, Iowa, Miriam was born October 17, 1941, the daughter of David Smit and Linda (Juettner) Smit.

In 1963, Miriam married the love of her life, John Thor, and together they raised four children—Mindy, Mark, Laurie, and Kevin. After John’s passing in 1976, Miriam faced the immense challenge of raising all four children on her own. With determination, grit, and a deep devotion to her family and faith, she not only guided them through childhood but worked tirelessly to put each of them through college. Her strength during those years became one of the defining legacies of her life.

Miriam built a life rooted in hard work, creativity, and connection. While working at the Apothecary Shop, she discovered her passion of helping people. That early experience led her to become a beautician and proudly bought Marvin and Allen’s beauty shop changing it to Miriam’s, Marvin and Allen’s that became an extension of home. Many family memories were shaped there: the kids sweeping floors or folding towels, the sound of laughter drifting between styling chairs, and later, the grandkids perched in the kitchen while Grandma worked her magic on their hair.

Meticulous and always on the move, Miriam took great pride in her home and yard. Each spring she hunted for the perfect flowering plants to surround her yard, creating a burst of color that became a signature of her house. She loved watching the birds that visited her yard and could often be found outside tending to something—never one to sit still for long.

She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering especially hard for her beloved Cubs. But nothing brought her more joy than showing up for her family. Whether it was a school event, a game, a recital, or a Backwater Gamblers water ski show, Miriam was there—present, supportive, and genuinely delighted to be part of it all.

A longtime member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), Miriam lived out her belief in lifting others up. Her support was steady and often quiet, offered in the small, everyday ways that made people feel cared for. She had a gift for making others feel seen.

Miriam’s life was full—of movement, of purpose, of people she loved. Her warm presence, her humor, her stubborn independence, and her unmistakably personal way of moving through the world will be deeply missed. She will also be remembered for her sugar cookies and holiday baking.

Those remaining to honor her memory include her children, Mindy Becker, Mark (Tracie) Thor, Laurie (Gary) Feikert, and Kevin Thor; grandchildren, Matthew (Margaret) Becker, Michael (Isabel) Becker, Leah (Ryan) Shaull, Hannah Thor, John David Thor, Collin Feikert, and Callie Feikert; and her brother, Jack (Eloise) Smit.

Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and her step‑mother, Maxine Smit.

Visitation will be held at Weerts Funeral Home, 3625 Jersey Ridge Rd, Davenport, IA 52807, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Weerts Funeral Home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 am. Miriam will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Miriam Thor to the local PEO chapter FJ or the Leukemia Foundation and the American Heart Association.