Thelma L. Graves, 90, of Lincoln, returned to her heavenly family on Tuesday, July 3, 2012. Born September 24, 1921 in the home of her grandmother in Daykin to Chester and Edna (Sanders) Graves. Thelma attended country school in Saline County and graduated from Tobias High School in 1938. She went on to attend Lincoln School of Commerce graduating with a certificate in stenographics. Her first job was for the Soil Conservation Service in Wilber followed by several other federal jobs ending with 38 years service in the Lincoln Social Security Administration.
Thelma was a lifetime member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln especially enjoying her many friends from Keenagers, also United Women and Circles of the church. She was also an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). She was also a member of the Bryan Hospital Board. Thelma enjoyed traveling around the country and overseas often with her good friends. She loved gardening, her tomatoes, and flowers, enjoyed dancing to polka music and Lawrence Welk. She was very proud of her farm heritage. She loved Nebraska sports and never missed an event.
Thelma is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Judith (Al) Bolton and Kathy (David) Gates; grandchildren: Meesha (Jon) Vollertsen, Mindy (John) Buterbaugh, both of Lincoln, Aum (Erin) Bolton, Om-Kiva (Jen) Bolton, Amitabha (Lisa) Bolton, Athena Bolton, Helios Bolton, all of California, Gabriella (Kristopher) Malnar, of Texas, Randy (Maureen) Gates, Christopher (Karen) Gates, Colorado, Kimberly (Charlie) Duffy, British Columbia; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Maybelle (Francis) Jirkovsky; nieces and nephews, Denver. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Randy, daughter Cindy, sister Marjorie and brothers Robert and William.
Thelma’s wish was to thank all those who cared for her in her last battle with cancer. Especially the staff at Southlake Village.
Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. Rev. Wayne Alloway officiating. Graveside service 3:30 p.m. in Eureka Cemetery, Daykin.
Visitation: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street and one hour prior to service time at the church.
Memorials to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church or the family for future designation.