Vivian A. Thomas, 86, slipped gently from this life into eternity at Rapid City Regional Hospice House early Tuesday morning, October 6, 2015.

The youngest of eight children born to Ole and Myrtle Olson, Vivian was born in Portland, North Dakota, September 26, 1929, and later moved to Lantry, SD. She married her favorite dance partner and best friend, Dennis D. Thomas June 20, 1954. The couple lived in Dupree, SD, where Vivian operated the Ziebach County Abstract Co. In 1975, the couple bought some land on top of Strawberry Hill near Deadwood. Vivian later worked in the Lead High School Business Office until she retired.

Over the years, Vivian enjoyed bowling, golfing, crafts, playing card games (she always kept score...and usually won), and going on unplanned adventures - with or without a full tank of gas. In 1972, while living in Dupree, Vivian and Dennis hosted a Brazilian exchange student, Raquel Alves. They never forgot her, and on her 85th birthday, Vivian and Raquel were happily reunited.

Vivian's love for life was exceeded only by her love for her devoted husband, Dennis, her numerous nephews and nieces, and all of their children and grandchildren who loved "Vivie" back, and will miss her terribly.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents; brothers, Thomas Olson, Vernon Olson, and Ole Olson; and sisters, Eleanor Weaver, Marian Rimestad, Ruby Gray, and Inga Birkeland.


Memorial Services will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel, 80 Dunmire Dr., Lead, SD, followed by lunch at the Deadwood VFW. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. A memorial has been established to Rapid City Regional Hospice House.


Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.