Today we celebrate the life of Phyllis Anne Thomas who was born on February 11, 1946, in Biggs, CA, to Bud and Martha Albers. She passed away peacefully in Susanville, CA, on May 14, 2026. Phyllis is survived by her husband Jim, her son Matthew, her daughters Tina and Melinda, her stepsons Jimmy, John, and Jay, and her brothers Tom and Richard.
Phyllis graduated from Lassen High School and later earned her nursing degree from Arizona State University. Her career as a nurse spanned Arizona, Idaho, Alaska, Southern CA, and Susanville, where she worked for Dr. Uppal, Lassen Memorial Hospital, and worked as a nurse for 17 years at High Desert State Prison. Her compassion and dedication touched countless lives.
Though Phyllis could not have children of her own, she built a large and loving family with seven children — Matthew, Melinda, Angel, Darryl, Tina, Larry, and Carrie — and filled her home with laughter and warmth. She was deeply committed to helping her children build the best lives they could. Her legacy continues through six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents Bud and Martha, her son Darryl, daughter Angel, son Larry, and daughter Carrie.
Phyllis founded a nonprofit called “Carrie Your Blanket”, dedicated to making blankets for children in traumatic situations. She sewed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of blankets with friends, spreading comfort and kindness wherever she could. She made bracelets and loved beading, to raise funds for the non-profit. Creating beauty with her hands and heart always brought her joy.
Phyllis always took good care of her car. She had it detailed by a young man, “JT”. He introduced Phyllis to a nice man named Jim Thomas. When her pilot light went out on her stove, she called JT who volunteered with his dad, Jim, to go to Phyllis’ home and fix it. They had coffee and soon Phyllis invited him for dinner. The rest is history. Phyllis was married to Jim Thomas for 13 years — he was the love of her life. Together they shared adventures and simple joys, from driving the golf cart to traveling the world. They vacationed in Hawaii four times and visited the Bahamas, always embracing life’s beauty. At 75 years old, she even went ziplining — a testament to her fearless spirit.
Phyllis loved jewelry, shopping, purses, makeup, perfume, and pretty fingernails. She enjoyed making beaded bracelets, collecting Gone with the Wind memorabilia and Santas, attending live concerts and watching happy movies.
A true “big shopper,” she cherished her fancy watch for forty years and even ordered perfume from Macy’s on the last day of her life. She loved the smell of flowers, whether on the plant or in a bottle of fine perfume. When you smell spring flowers, think of Phyllis – her spirit lives on in every bloom!
She loved nice cars and had a few memorable adventures behind the wheel – once nodding off after a late shift and ending up in the willows, another time driving over the neighbor’s trees!
Phyllis was a nurse, a caregiver, a friend, and a woman of infectious humor, laughter, and compassion. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and generosity.
A celebration of life will be taking place July 9th at 11 AM at the Susanville Assembly of God Church.
Favorite Memories
“If she was still with us, she would be figuring out a way to return to nursing. She never wanted to stop.”
“It’s hard to be upset around here when your Boss is Phyllis Diller!”
“When I think of Phyllis I think of her laugh. She was always having fun and was loved by all. I loved hearing her life adventures with Tina. She was a class act and always looked her best. She loved being a nurse, her caring heart and hands have touched many lives. The last time I saw her we were at a quilting class together and, as always, she brightened up the room. She will be greatly missed.” Shannon Martin
“I first met Phyllis in high school. She was always busy, never sitting still. We had great fun in high school. She was always welcome at our home. A trip to Arizona after Phyllis graduated high school began our many adventures. She was going to nursing school near Phoenix and we drove in her very cool Mustang, a special treat from her mom and dad. Eventually I settled in Portland, and Phyllis in Phoenix. After college we remained long-distance friends. Years later, she returned to Susanville and I settled in Milford. We picked up where we left off and did many things together. Over the years we vacationed in Hawaii, Maui, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego. Shopping was adventurous as we joined other friends for many trips to Reno and Redding, Chico, and even the Coast. Shopping and yard sales were our things. As we became older we both slowed down our trips but often met for lunch or visited by phone. I will miss her. Rest in peace my friend.” Susie McNally
