Thelma Edna Farmer

Thelma Edna Farmer went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 14, 2012. Her passing leaves an empty space in our hearts but our memories of her will remain bright and everlasting.

Thelma’s family members and friends will miss her.

Thelma was born on Feb. 16, 1926 in McCoy, Va., to Ellie Mae and Lee Smith. She met her husband Paul at an old fashioned tent meeting. They were married on Dec. 26, 1940 in Snowville, Va., and recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary; a great testimony to their love and devotion. Paul passed away less than four months ago and now they are united for eternity.

The family moved to Oroville in June 1947 where she and Paul lived for over 60 years and raised their four children. They loved this small community and their many friends and associations there. In September 2007 Thelma and Paul moved to the East Wenatchee Assisted Living in East Wenatchee.

Thelma worked for many years as a peeler, sorter and packer in the apple industry, most of those with the Valley Evaporating Company and later with Gold Digger Apples. She was known to all as an extremely conscientious and dedicated worker and a valued employee. Her work ethic was certainly an example to her children and grandchildren.

Thelma was a long-standing member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Oroville. She loved to worship and especially enjoyed the songs of praise. Her skill in the kitchen and her delicious food were a delight to all who knew her. Thelma loved flowers and we all marveled at her ability to make anything grow.

She is survived by her children: Mari Riggan (Dewayne), Brush Prairie, Wash., Nancy Riel (Harley), Sunnyside, Wash., Don Farmer (Carol), Richland, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Judy Farmer, East Wenatchee, Wash.; grandchildren: Monica Riggan, Jerry Keeney (Jacquie), Darren Farmer, Kristin Churnside (Adam), Jeff Farmer, Tammy Wallin (Kurt),Tom Riel (Ana); sister Nora Flinchum; and brother, John Melvin Smith (Dolly). She is also survived by nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents; son, Larry Farmer; grandson, Troy Riel; sisters: Bertha Ellen (Sis) Atkins, Lucy Mae (Punch) Kessinger, Malinda (Janie) Simpkins and Clara Belle Flinchum; and brothers: Roy Lee (Philip) Smith and Lonnie Smith .

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Pentecostal Church of God in Oroville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the P. C. of G. Bible Faith Family Church, P.O. Box 742, Oroville, WA 98844.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at http://www.telfordschapel.com