THOMAS, HELEN HARRIS, November 17, 1926 – February 24, 2006

Helen Harris Thomas, 79, longtime Malad resident and prominent businesswoman, passed away February 24, 2006 at her home of natural causes.

She was born November 17, 1926 in Malad, a daughter of Stillman Joseph and Nora Thomas Harris. She graduated from Malad High School, class of 1945.

On June 18, 1946, she married Gerald Price Thomas in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Gerald passed away March 19, 1996. She, along with her husband, established Gerald Thomas Electric in 1950. She remained active in the business until the time of her death. Customers were always greeted with a happy smile, quick wit and a listening ear.

She served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Relief Society President and faithful visiting teacher.

She ws also active in civic and community affairs as a member of the Malad Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. Helen was a member of the Malad Valley Community chorus. She loved gardening and raising flowers.

She is survived by her five sons: Randy H. (the late Susan Bunn) Thomas, of Malad; Gerald Brent Thomas, of Riverton, Utah; Kelly LeRoy (Mona) Thomas, of Murray, Utah; J.D. “Chedder” (Sherrie) Thomas of Malad; Larry Keith (Wendy) Thomas, also of Malad; 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Theda (Bud) Fink of Burley; step-sisters, Lola (Dwight) Stapley of California, and Joyce Kent of Malad; sisters-in-law: Helen Bowen Harris of Boise; Marjorie Harris of Twin Falls, and Joyce (Fred) Elkington of Idaho Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother; husband, Gerald; three brothers; one sister; a step-brother and daughter-in-law.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday February 28 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS Third Ward Chapel. Burial followed in the Malad City Cemetery.