Linda Jean Thomas

Linda was born July 10, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to David and Dora Hamilton. She grew up in Pleasanton, Kansas, where her farm-girl upbringing helped shape the practical, hardworking, down-to-earth woman she remained throughout her life. She graduated from Pleasanton High School and later attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. It was there that she met David Dean Thomas, the man with whom she would build a life and family.

Linda and Dave were married on September 3, 1967. They shared 57 years of marriage before Dave’s death in October 2024. Together they raised their two sons, Jeff and Rob, in a home filled with family, friends, projects, and more than a few adventures.

Creative, talented, and exceptionally hardworking, Linda owned and operated Hems and Hooks, a professional custom workroom specializing in high-end draperies, bedding, pillows, and other custom textile work. Her skill and craftsmanship could be seen in countless projects over the years, including draperies created for the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Linda was a no-nonsense mother who loved her boys deeply and unconditionally. She was practical and straightforward, but that never kept her from joining in their projects and occasional shenanigans. When Rob needed a very large banner sewn to hang from a water tower, Linda was there to help make it happen. Her family knew they could count on her—to help, to tell them exactly what she thought, and to love them without reservation.

That same combination of practicality, humor, and unconditional love made Linda a treasured “Mema” to her granddaughters, Katie and Sara. She loved watching them grow into young women and was always available for a conversation or a bit of characteristically straightforward advice. Her wisdom sometimes came in the form of reminders that “life is supposed to be hard” or that one should “suffer for beauty,” usually delivered with a smile and a laugh. The girls especially treasured simply sitting and talking with their Mema. Linda shared her love of sewing and quilting with Katie and had begun teaching her those skills.

Linda and Dave enjoyed spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks and later splitting their time between their home in Prairie Village and Surprise, Arizona. The places themselves were special, but what Linda and Dave valued most were the friendships they made and maintained there. They loved having lifelong friends over to play cards and going out for dinner. Linda readily admitted that cooking was not one of her passions, often joking that she “only had a kitchen because it came with the house.” She did, however, excel at knowing exactly where everyone should go out to eat. Linda loved sewing and quilting, playing cards, shopping, clothes, accessories, and shoes.

Animals were also part of Linda’s family life. Daisy was the beloved family dog while Linda and Dave were raising their boys, and in later years their cats, Simon and Felix, held a special place in their home.

Above all, Linda loved her family. She took great joy in watching not only her sons and granddaughters but also her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews grow up. She loved them in the same way she approached most things in life: wholeheartedly, practically, and without pretense. Linda was a straight shooter. You rarely had to wonder what she thought, but you also never had to wonder whether she loved you.

Linda is survived by her sons, Jeff Thomas (Jenny) and Rob Thomas; her granddaughters, Katie Thomas and Sara Thomas; her nieces and nephews, Aubin Skipper (BJ), Alison Hamilton, and Adam Hamilton (Ashley); and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Dean Thomas; her parents, David and Dora Hamilton; her sister, Jane Hamilton; and her brother, Paul Hamilton.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel in Overland Park, Kansas. A private family graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Richland State Line Cemetery in Pleasanton, Kansas, where Linda will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Dave.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to: Johnson County Young Matrons, 7702 Mize Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66227.

Linda’s life was marked by hard work, creativity, enduring friendships, a fierce love for her family, and a wonderfully practical sense of humor. Those who knew her will remember a woman who showed up, helped when help was needed, told you what she thought, laughed with you, and loved you exactly as you were.