Thelma Verlee (Rice) Ita, Age 91, of Danville, Iowa, passed away at her home in Danville, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. A Memorial Service will be announced later in 2026.
Thelma was born on March 8, 1934, in Burlington, IA. She was the daughter of Milo and Martha Rice. On November 29, 1952, Thelma married Don Ita. She was a graduate of the Burlington Hospital School of Nursing and the University of Iowa, in Education. She worked as a Public Health Nurse for Des Moines County and the Burlington Mercy Hospital School of Nursing until it transitioned to the Southeast Iowa Community College School of Nursing.
Later in life, Thelma became visually impaired. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she loved listening to the Bible and sharing it with others. She will be remembered for her compassion, fortitude, and Christian faith.
Those left to cherish Thelma’s memory are her husband, Don, of Danville, IA; her children; Steve (Jean) Ita, Danville, IA; Tim (Teresa) Ita, Burlington, IA; John (Marit) Ita, Havre, MT; Mark (Valerie) Ita, Chelan, WA; and Jean (Joe) Richardson, of Danville, IA. She had 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Marilyn Peterson, Ames, IA and Linda Cruce, Roanoke, TX, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington, IA or Danville Fire Department.