Star City Six – Abbey Thies
Serving Lincoln, Nebraska families with honor, integrity, and dignity for over 115 years, Roper & Sons Funeral Care offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to making funeral arrangements. Abbey Thies is a funeral director at Roper & Sons (roperandsons.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
We have the most compassionate staff available to help serve our families’ every need with respect to funeral arrangements. We are proud to serve the entire Lincoln area and surrounding communities, with chapels in central and south Lincoln as well as one in Waverly.
How did you get started in the business?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sports Nutrition. It was not until my paternal grandmother’s death immediately following my college graduation that I realized this is what I had to do for others. I was extremely close with my grandmother and I struggled with her death, but once I saw how beautiful she looked, I immediately knew that this is what I was meant to do. It is very much like a “calling.” I then went on to earn my Advanced Associate degree in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Being a female in an industry that has been a predominantly male profession.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Earning respect from my peers and coworkers within the industry. Most importantly, earning the trust of our amazing families; for me, there is truly no better honor or achievement than that.
Tell us a little about your family.
I was born and raised in Lexington, NE and had an amazing childhood. I have the best family in the entire world; my husband, Nathan Thies; parents, Max and Theresa McFarland; brothers, Barry McFarland, Seth (and Dora) McFarland; and my niece and nephew, Elena and Greyson McFarland.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to sleep past 5:30 a.m. and to not have to set my alarm! I love enjoying my coffee on the deck, being outdoors in general if possible, exercising, and just catching up on house chores (yes, I actually enjoy doing chores).
What are you the most proud of?
My husband and my family! They are my world and I’m so proud of everything they have accomplished personally and professionally.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Let it be” or “Just cover your eyes, go to sleep, and always remember that tomorrow is a brand new day” from my Grandma O’Neill.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I really wish I could play the piano!
What is your favorite movie?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
What is your favorite TV show?
The Bachelor, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS and Bull.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Via our website at roperandsons.com.