Orva Thomas

Orva Howes Thomas
October 19, 1945 – May 6, 2025

Orva Howes Thomas, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away after a battle with Dementia on May 6, 2025. She was born October 19, 1945, in East Ely, Nevada, to Arnold L. Howes and Ruby Conder Howes, the cherished youngest child and only daughter among four children with older brothers Nolan, Doyle, and Billy Howes.

Orva was raised in the close-knit community of Ruth, Nevada, a place that held a special corner of her heart for her entire life. She often spoke fondly of “Old Ruth,” especially the monumental changes that came in 1955 when the town was relocated—an event that shaped her deeply and became a defining memory in her storytelling.

She married Jerry Lee Thomas on March 28, 1963. Together they had three children: Cindi, Sherry, and Jerry Jr. Though their marriage ended in 1969, Orva met life’s challenges with strength and grace, raising her three children as a single mother. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, instilling in them the values of resilience, hard work, and unconditional love.

Never one to stop learning or growing, Orva pursued her passion for helping others and returned to school later in life. She graduated from Southern Utah University (then SUSC) in 1989 with a bachelor degree in Social Work and Psychology—an achievement that made her family proud and inspired all who knew her.

Orva was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She spent many years teaching family history to others, it was a lifetime passion and she could often be found digging through old records, documenting family lines, and preserving memories for generations to come. In her later years with Dementia, she still worried about the work being done, where her family history records were and who would take care of it after her.

Orva discovered a creative joy in scrapbooking. She not only poured her heart into her own beautiful creations, but also shared her talent by teaching others—spreading joy, memories, and laughter along the way. She was also a talented seamstress and was able to create many beautiful items that her family will cherish.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, faithfully attending games, recitals, and milestones. Her presence in their lives was constant, encouraging, and full of love.

Orva is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Ruby, and her brothers Nolan, Doyle, and Billy. She is survived by her children: Cindi Lynn Brinkerhoff (Darren), Sherry Jeanette Ruesch (Deke), and Jerry Lee Thomas Jr. (Leslee); 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who carry on her legacy of love, humor, strength, and devotion.

Graveside services will be Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at the Monroe Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 49 East 200 North, Monroe, Utah, 84754. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com