Della Marie Thomas

Della Marie Thomas, 95, of Pekin, IL passed away at 12:57 AM Thursday, May 14, 2026 at her son’s home in Hopedale, IL.

Della was born on February 28, 1931 in Pekin, IL to Angelo and Stella Elizabeth (Margelli) Antonini. She married James “Ink” Thomas on September 5, 1948 in Keokuk, IA. He passed away on January 9, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Kathy Pearson and Stephenie Bowman, two brothers, Eugene Antonini and Adolph Antonini, one sister, Louise Waddell.

Surviving are: one son, Gordon (Linda) Thomas of Hopedale, IL; seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; one brother, Richard (Kay) Antonini of Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Donna (Bob) Henderson of Mackinaw, IL; two sons-in-law, John Bowman and Howard Pearson both of Pekin.

Della was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts and bowling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent the last three years at The Villas of Hollybrook in Pekin where she met many friends and found much joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michael Andrejek as Celebrant. A Rosary service will be at 4:30 PM Monday, May 18th at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will follow from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be from 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be on Friday, May 22nd at Glendale Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.