Janice M. Thomas, 70 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died after a 2 year battle with cancer on Saturday morning, August 3, 2013 at her home. She was born October 3, 1942 in Houghton, Iowa, a daughter of William and Ceal (Sanders) Hellman. She married Phil Thomas, they had three children: Joe, Jennifer, and Suzanna.

Janice was born and raised in Houghton, Iowa. She graduated from St. John's School. She owned and operated Interiors by Philip for 45 years. She was also a licensed cosmetologist and was on the Board of Hope Haven in Burlington, Iowa.

She is survived by one son Joe Thomas, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one daughter Suzanna (husband Kelly) Kirkham, of Gilbert, AZ; one granddaughter Juliet Paris; one grandson Luke Paris; one brother Merlin (wife Theresa) Hellman, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one sister Jeanette Holmes, of Fairfield, Iowa; one sister-in-law Eileen Hellman, of Houghton, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jennifer Thomas, brother Marvin Hellman, and brother-in-law Charlie Holmes.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date with burial at Gethsemane Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Hope Haven or the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.