Thelma E. Kelley

Thelma E. Kelley, 88, of Bucyrus died Thursday evening, December 8, 2011 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus following a recent illness.

She was born March 14, 1923 in Olena to the late William Edward and Anna (Ironmonger) Von Seggern. She graduated from Norwalk High School and met Richard Eugene Kelley while they worked at Plum Brook Ordinance during WWII. They were married on May 18, 1945, then lived, laughed, worked and raised a family together for 46 years until he preceded her in death on December 31, 1991.

Thelma is survived by her children, John (Mary Jane) Kelley of Bucyrus, Sue Kelley of The Villages, Fla., Wes (Karen) Kelley of Mansfield, Dave (Pamela Bollinger) Kelley of Bucyrus and Tom Kelley of Marion; nine grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister, Helen Pool of Norwalk and her close friend, Bob Leathem.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Alice Hoelzer, George Von Seggern, Ed Von Seggern, Laura Saunders and Aura Griggs and two granddaughters, Linna Kelley-Guzzi and Renee Foraker.

Thelma will be remembered as an active volunteer for her church and family. While stubborn in her ways, she was always optimistic and loved helping others. She served First United Methodist as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Youth Fellowship leader, United Methodist Women President, Mary Martha Circle leader, Mansfield District Officer of UMW as well as on a number of committees. Her sewing and baking skills were exceptional and she never missed a sporting event in which her kids were involved. She worked with Richard in their family owned business, Quality Printing, after moving to Bucyrus in 1956. Outside of work, they enjoyed western square dancing in addition to their church activities. In recent years, she enjoyed knitting and Scrabble, especially when she got "the right letters."

The Kelley family will receive friends Monday, December 12 from 5-8 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Kraps officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bucyrus United Methodist Church or Bucyrus Salvation Army through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Monday, December 12, 2011 5-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 11:00 a.m.

Bucyrus United Methodist Church, North Campus, 227 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820