Pamela Stone Thomas

Pamela Stone Thomas 

Pamela Stone Thomas, 75, passed away on December 20, 2024, after a brief illness. A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 11, at 2:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Idaho Springs, Colorado, with Pastor Vera Gubert-Steward presiding.

Pam was born in St. James, Minnesota, to Arthur F. and Lorraine Chalin Stone. She was the second of four children. The family later moved to New Ulm, Minnesota, where Pam spent her childhood. Her love for reading and learning blossomed early, and she was rarely seen without a book in her hands. Pam graduated from New Ulm High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, in 1971.

After college, Pam moved to Fargo, North Dakota, to further her education. She began her career at Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, Minnesota, working in the laboratory. It was there she met and married H. David Thomas. Together, they raised two children, Marcus and Elizabeth.

A family vacation to Colorado led Pam and Dave to relocate to Idaho Springs, where they built their home—a sanctuary filled with love and laughter. Pam began working for Western Sugar in the corporate office as an Environmental Officer. While balancing full-time work and the responsibilities of raising two young children, Pam earned her MBA.

Pam’s career was marked by her determination, intelligence, and trailblazing spirit. She led Western Sugar’s transition to ISO 9000 quality standards across seven factories, served as the company’s chief chemist, and became the assistant factory manager in Fort Morgan. She later achieved a historic milestone as the first—and only—female factory manager in Western Sugar’s history, managing the Greeley facility. Pam also served as president of the Beet Sugar Development Foundation and on the International Sugar Board. After leaving the sugar industry, she transitioned to a successful second career as an insurance agent with Thrivent Financial before retiring.

Although a lifelong introvert, Pam had a deep passion for connecting with and supporting others. Her heart was devoted to her family, friends, and community. Pam was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she served on the council, as congregation president, and briefly as church coordinator. She was also dedicated to the church’s prayer shawl ministry.

Pam’s commitment to helping others extended beyond her church. She worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for underserved communities, serving on the boards of Kids At Their Best in Fort Morgan and Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity. Most recently, she was instrumental in advocating for the Clear Creek Library referendum in Idaho Springs. She was also a member of Eastern Star, PEO, and several knitting and book groups. Pam was the friend and confidante many turned to for advice and comfort, offering her wisdom and practical support with an open heart.

Pam’s love and kindness were reflected in her many acts of service, from cooking and delivering meals to those in need to knitting prayer shawls for comfort. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and community spirit.

Pam was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dave, and her parents, Arthur and Lorraine. She is survived by her children, Marcus and Libby; her stepdaughter, Vickie McGahan; her cherished granddaughters, Scarlett, Seyda, and Sohryn; her siblings, Candy Hansen, Patty Young, and Gregg Stone; Her God Daughter Julia Young; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Pam will also be deeply missed by her many dear friends, who were like family to her.

Pamela Stone Thomas was a trailblazer, a dedicated servant to her community, and a loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, boundless generosity, and enduring love for those around her.