Thelma Elizabeth Miller

Thelma Elizabeth Miller, daughter of the late Sylvester Mathais Martin and Mary Jane (Elliott) Martin, was born September 16, 1932 in Rolla, Missouri where she grew up and graduated from Rolla High School. Shortly after graduation, Thelma began her working career as a telephone operator with United Telephone Company. She then went to work on Fort Leonard Wood as a telephone operator for 10 years before retiring in 1988. For many years, Thelma sold Avon products and enjoyed working with all of her clients. She also worked for the Dollar Store, the Memorial Day Glowers Shop, and did food demonstrations for Wal-Mart. On May 20, 1975, Thelma was united in marriage to Jerry Wayne Miller in Miami, Oklahoma. They shared over 47 years of marriage together and many adventures together. In her spare time, Thelma loved raising Quarter horses. She and Jerry would travel around with their horses taking them on rides and showing them at different horse shows. She also enjoyed knitting and sewing. Most importantly, she loved her family tremendously and always enjoyed every time that they could get together, especially with the grandchildren. Thelma passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, in her home near Richland, Missouri having attained the age of 90 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Jerry of the home; her son, Robert Whiker (Rita) of Cuba, MO; a brother, Charles Martin of Edwardsville, IL; a sister, Ruth Adair of Rolla, MO; four grandchildren, Matthew Chapman, Damian Chapman, Jeffery Chapman and Andrea Kumar; four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Shelby, Dakota, and Priya; six great-great grandchildren, Jeremy, Gracee, Josh, Angela, Stephen, and William; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by five siblings: Sylvester Lee Martin, Harold Martin, Margaret Acree, Rose Falkenrath, and Eugen Martin. Even though she is gone from our sight, Thelma’s love of family will live on in our hearts forever. Services celebrating Thelma’s life were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Mark Godby officiating. Music selections included, “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” and “I Believe.” Escorts were Matthew Chapman, Damian Chapman, Jeffery Chapman, Mark Jennings, Gunner Jennings, Tim Hams, and Dakota Chapman. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Thelma Elizabeth Miller

September 16, 1932 - December 23, 2022