Obituary of Ila (Thurman) Thomas

Ila (Thurman) Thomas, age 82, passed away at her home in Caney, Kansas on Monday, April 12, 2021 with her loving husband at her side.   Ila was the daughter of Bill and Marie (Kibler) Thurman; she was born in Hale, Kansas on September 23, 1938.  She grew up in the area of Havana, Kansas where she attended school.   On September 29, 1977 she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Bartusek in Caney, Kansas  where the couple made their home.  Ila worked for Dr. Mason for many years.  Ila and Bill then opened and operated their own business, B & I Sales where they sold jewelry, shirts and novelty items to many stores in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.  Bill preceded her in death on January 26, 2008.   On June 9, 2012 she married Joseph "Joe" Thomas in Sedan, Kansas at the Church of Christ.  The couple made their home in Caney, Kansas.  Ila helped Joe with his business, Thomas Tree Company.  She and Joe enjoyed being active and working in their church for many years.  Around a year ago Ila was diagnosed with ALS; after becoming ill Joe cared for her and remained by her side faithfully.   Ila was an avid bowler in her younger years and made so many lifelong friends during that time.  Ila always said that nothing made her happier than the time she spent traveling with Joe on trips to Oregon to see family and how much she loved the time she got to spend with them.Ila came from a large family, she was a wonderful sister to her many siblings and loved them all very much.  Ila will be missed by all those that knew her.  She touched the lives of all those that knew her and was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Surviving to honor her memory are her loving husband, Joe Thomas of the home; daughters, Debra "Debbie" Harrison and husband, James of Oregon, Tammy Robinson and husband, Mike of Waldport, Oregon; grandchildren, Rob and Russell Clark, Kody Robinson and wife, Michelle and daughter, Alexis; great granddaughter, Nora Clark; sisters, Lou Kennedy and husband, Gene of Sedan, Kansas, Dolly Heape of Caney, Kansas, Mary Marlow of Coffeyville, Kansas; brother, Charles Thurman and wife, Carla of Coffeyville, Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marie Thurman; husband, Bill Bartusek; sisters, Loretta, Betty, Dee and Rosey.   Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Caney, Kansas.  Minister Tom Barton will officiate.  Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney.   Friends can sign the guest register on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at David W Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.