Rhea Rosemary “Puggy” Thomas, 80, of Huntley, died peacefully, October 16, 2025 at Journeycare Hospice.
Rhea was born June 11, 1945 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of George and Mildred Roche. She worked at T.J. Harkins Basic Commodity Spice Co.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Konvalinka, son, Sean Thomas, and is the grandmother to her grandchildren Emily Huckstorf (Scott), James Konvalinka, Anna Walter and Sarah Walter, Tyler Thomas and Stephanie Thomas and Joel Holmer. She is also the great grandmother of Hudson, Wyatt, Sophia, Harper and a new baby coming in February. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Eugenia “Penny” Horne (Ted) and niece Amanda DeYager (Dave), and great niece Daphne and her nephew George Quigley Horne.
Rhea enjoyed creating many crafts and made beautiful quilts for her family over the years using her talent of quilting, crocheting and knitting. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rhea’s work experience was varied and included working at fabric stores which helped her to supply her crafting and sewing activities. During her retirement years she enjoyed helping others while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, playing cards in her card groups and attending church at St. Mary along with participating her cenacle group on a weekly basis. Rhea is loved and will be missed by all those she touched including her beloved cat Louie.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 9-10am with a Mass being celebrated at 10am all at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The livestream video is located at this link: https://vimeo.com/1124284853/441137996b?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci. Burial will be private.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Rhea was a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss her sparkling humor and timely advice. While I know I will meet up with Rhea again, in Heaven, she will be missed very much here on earth.
Sean and family- so sorry about your mom. She was always so sweet to me and Kenna. My prayers are with you all.
How does one say goodbye to a very dear friend of over 25 years. We met in the choral group when both were living in Huntley. Rhea was my confident, companion, and the dearest of friends. We laughed, we cried, we listened. I miss you Rhea, thankful for our 25 years. When living miles apart, we would FaceTime on our computers, those times would often exceed two hours. It felt like a visit, still allowing each of us to do chores at the same time. Julie and Sean, my most sincere condolences. I know how much you will miss her.