Lois "Oleta" Thomas

 Lois” Oleta” Thomas 1930-2026

The heavens just brightened and the world is a bit dimmer as we launched Oleta’s shining spirit into the sky.

Lois “Oleta” Thomas a long -time Casper Resident was born February 8th, 1930, to Parents Lois and Marlin Kurtz of Cody The oldest of three siblings, Don and Martha. The family was raised and educated in Cody and Cheyenne. Oleta became a University of Wyoming graduate in 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She then started her career teaching Home Economics at Cody High School.

In 1954 She married Leonard” Len” Thomas of Cody and subsequently born were daughter Lori and sons, Leonard “Tommy” and Don. Together, Len and Oleta traveled around the state with the Seismograph Crew for Marathon Oil Company. The family transferred to Casper where their youngest son Don was born. In 1968 Len and Oleta formed the L&O (Len & Oleta) Company which included the Robo Car Wash in Casper. They lovingly continued to raise the kids together combining their philosophies to keep them well rounded and happy.

Oleta’s Children were blessed to have her as a mother as she kindly guided and encouraged them to develop their own unique qualities, habits and talents. She kept them involved and participated in their education and extracurricular activities. To name just a few of these activities were Ski lessons, 4H, YMCA Day Camp, Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Parent Band Chaperone, Music Lessons, Summer acting theater, Church Camp in Colorado. She helped her son’s deliver newspapers during major snowstorms. Also, she was a dressmaker designing beautiful clothing with daughter Lori.

Growing up and in her adult life she developed her naturally rebellious nature which to everyone’s benefit manifested itself in the Casper Community. Oleta, well loved by the community, was a trailblazer in many ways and considered, “Ahead of Her Time.” Her self-proclaimed names: “My Middle Name is Adventure” and “101 Pounds of Fun” will be a part of her legacy.

By the early 80’s Oleta combined her talents becoming an entrepreneur and opening her own business – “The Center for New Life” Utilizing her passions she served her clients giving dietary counseling, massage therapy, outdoor activities, historical treks with new age concepts and music. She shared her gifts not only with the Casper Community but with many out-of-state clients and visitors. She also holds the title of “Casper’s First Massage Therapist”

In the 90’s Oleta formed and participated in music and comedy groups that entertained Casper’s Seniors. Together with her talented cohorts she visited assisted living communities and nursing homes. She attracted talented musicians singing and dancing with instruments such as the Mandolins, Violins and the Keyboards. In particular one of her favorite bands was the Cowgirls Trio. She also organized and performed with The HMO’s and The Haywire Comedy Team. She was an active member with other musical groups including the Meadowlarks and The Fiddle Club.

Some of Oleta’s notable accomplishments Include: 4th runner up for Miss Wyoming, Gold and Silver Medals in Wyoming Senior Olympics, Casper’s first Massage Therapist, Successful Promoter of Casper’s “Stop Smoking” Ordinance, Business Owner for “The Center for New Life.” Proudly, Oleta was also the official Massage therapist for the Hollywood movie filmed at Hell’s Half Acre, “Starship Troopers”. She became friends with Celebrities such as Pam Tillis and Casper Van Dien.

As part of Oleta’s never-die thirst for Wyoming, she tapped into many Wyoming historical events and activities. She was a newspaper journalist trekking with covered wagons along the Oregon Trail. Also, Oleta and her family lived the history of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Powell. She embraced many of Wyoming’s heroes such as Amelia Eerhart, Sacajawea and Buffalo Bill. Oleta spent much of her youth working on the Dude Ranches in the sunlight basin area near Cody.

Oleta traveled all over the United States from Coast to Coast attending musical events that included her meeting Roy Clark in Branson Missouri. Her international destinations included Jerusalem Israel, Machu Picchu Peru, Mexico City, London and Calgary Canada.

In recent years, Oleta continued to advocate for everyone and shared her love for nature and astronomy. One could still find her at Church, the dance hall, and attending concerts and participating in theater performances at the Senior Center. “She was always surrounded by her “Gang” of friends. When you could find her at home she enjoyed her favorite, The Carol Burnette Show. Just a couple of days before her passing, she cited one of her favorite poems entitled, "Trees” as well as strummed her Ukulele.

Today, there are countless friends and neighbors who have put forth enormous efforts to look after Oleta to keep her active, healthy and loved. Our gratitude is immeasurable.

Two of Oleta’s favorite mottos were:

“God is Love”

and the Shakespearian Quote,

“To Thine own Self Be True and as surely as night follows day, thou canst not be false to anyone.”

We Love you Mom, more than you will ever know and will be dearly missed.

Lori, Tommy and Don

Oleta is survived by her three children: Lori Wimbish and husband Jim of Show Low Arizona; Leonard Thomas and wife Tina of Salt Lake City; and Don Thomas of Aurora CO. Three grandchildren: Ashley Saliba and husband Jake of Mesa AZ, Jamie Wimbish and wife Jordyn of Gilbert AZ, Johnathan Wimbish and wife Isabel of Longmont, CO and three great grandchildren, Ella and Amelia Saliba and William Wimbish.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, April 11 at First United Methodist Church in Casper, 302 E. 2nd Street with a reception taking place that same day from 2pm-4pm at the Casper Senior Center 1841 East 4th Street.

Special Thanks to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions

In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Casper Senior Services at https://casperseniorcenter.com.

To share a memory of Oleta or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.