Anna Darlene Thomas, 81, formerly of Ottumwa died at 3:16 a.m. November 9, 2026 at her home.
She was born December 16, 1944 in Ottumwa to Melvin Lloyd and Wilma Evelyn Ingles Eakins. Anna married Gregory Alton Thomas September 13, 1969 and he preceded her in death July 8, 1994.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Anna attended Simpson College. She worked as a systems analyst for over 30 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works. For the last few years of her career, she worked in the corporate offices in Moline, IL, retiring in 1999. She has been living in Springfield, MO for the last 10 years.
She attended church in Springfield, MO where she participated in a crocheting group. Anna was a college basketball fan, she especially enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. She never missed watching a game.
Surviving are her children, Jennifer Troxel of Springfield, MO and James “Jaime” (Julie) Thomas of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Brown, Austin (Katrina) Bennett, Carter Bennett, Trey Thomas and Faith Thomas; 3 great grandchildren, Lyla Ankrom, Cooper Bennett and Maverick Bennett; 3 brothers, Steve Eakins of Florida, David Eakins of Wisconsin and Daniel Eakins of New Zealand; a sister, Debra Green of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Ronald Eakins and Johnie Eakins.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday November 12th at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Terry Wise officiating. Her family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service Thursday. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
