Rachel Thomas, age 59 of rural Lomax, Illinois died at 1:58 a.m. Thursday March 29, 2012 at her home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born March 23, 1953 in Vermont, Illinois the daughter of Adron and Florence Vogler Akers. On October 22, 1971 she married Dale K. Thomas in Plymouth, Illinois.

Rachel had worked at the LaHarpe School District as a teachers aid for 5 years and at Vista Bakery in Burlington, Iowa for 15 years. She enjoyed bowling and attending truck and tractor pulls with her family. Spending time with her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.

She is survived by her husband, Dale, one son, Heath (Kathy) Thomas of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, one daughter, Trish (Brian) Purdum of Macomb, Illinois, three grandchildren, Aiden, Asher and Ames Thomas, three brothers, Calvin Akers of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, Gary Akers of Carmi, Illinois and Eldon Akers of Littleton, Illinois and two sisters, Joyia Hoyt of Carthage, Illinois and Bonnie Mayall of Plymouth, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, April 2, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Pastor Jim Clayton officiating. Burial will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 3:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home where the family will meet with friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday. A memorial Fund has been established for the Terre Haute United Methodist Church.