Carrie (Thomas) Illa

Carrie (Thomas) Illa, age 49 of Lexington, South Carolina and formerly of Minnetrista, MN died Saturday, September 19, 2015 at her home in Lexington. Carrie Annette, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Rhodes) Thomas, was born on April 17, 1966 in Austin, Minnesota. She attended Hastings High School and graduated with the class of 1984. On June 6, 1987, Carrie was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Chris Illa, at Hastings United Methodist Church. Following a lengthy battle with cancer, he preceded her in death on July 27, 2014. Carrie enjoyed working as a project manager of new homes for many years throughout the Twin Cities. She loved fast cars, animals of all types, especially horses and her dog Sadie and cat Tabitha. She enjoyed cooking, watching old movies and traveling with Chris. Carrie was known for her elegant taste in life and was always known to be the life of the party. She was the spitfire of her loved ones lives. She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Jason; father-in-law, Bud Illa; brother, Elso and by her husband, Chris. Carrie is survived by her siblings, Sam Thomas of Phoenix, AZ, Bill Thomas of St. Paul, Terry (Julie) Thomas of Mason City, IA and Wade (Susan) Thomas of Clear Lake, IA; her sister-in-law, Jan Thomas of Minneapolis; her mother-in-law, Peggy Illa of Hastings; her many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly; and by many other relatives and friends. A graveside Celebration of Carries Life will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Lakeside Cemetery, 920 Nininger Road, Hastings, with Pastor Paris Pasch officiating. A reception will follow at the Green Mill in Hastings. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.