Thelma Irene (Thompson) Orr
Thelma Irene (Thompson) Orr, 81, Moses Lake, Washington resident and former longtime resident of Centralia, Washington, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington from complications due to pneumonia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2010 at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. Interment will follow in Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis. Viewing will take place at the Sticklin Funeral Chapel on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com
Thelma was born in Pelican Rapids MN. April 19, 1928 to Joseph Timinus and Johanna Marie (Knudsen) Thompson. Joseph had six children prior to this marriage: Bert, Lawrence, Tilton, Jule, Chuck, Evelyn, Earl, and Becky. Thelma was the first born of four children for Joseph and Johanna: Douglas William, Rachael Ramona and Karen Anena. In her youth, Thelma’s parents farmed in Minnesota until 1937, at which time they moved to Hoquiam WA. Joseph worked for Hoquiam Plywood. In 1941, they moved to Centralia where Johanna worked as a nurse at Centralia General Hospital. On June 16, 1945, Thelma married Jay Orr in Centralia. Thelma worked as a cook and baker for Centralia School District, Centralia Elks club and Riverside golf course. She pleased many people with her culinary expertise. Thelma also worked as a dietitian for Saint Helens Hospital. Thelma and Jay had two daughters: Joanne Marie and Jackelyn Louise, both born in Centralia. Thelma is past president of the Centralia Emblem Club and was active as a leader in supporting her daughters in Brownies and Girl Scouts. Thelma lost her husband Jay of 40 wonderful years in 1985. In 1997, Thelma moved from Centralia to Moses Lake to be near her daughter Jackelyn and her family. In 2001, Thelma’s oldest daughter and husband moved to Moses Lake from Chehalis. Thelma had a passion for life, especially her family. She also enjoyed knitting and the times fishing with her husband, Jay. Her last home in Moses Lake was at Sandridge Adult Family Home where she enjoyed the close relationships.
Thelma is survived by her two daughters; Joanne (Gary) Garry of Moses Lake, Jackelyn (Randall) Eilert of Lake Stevens. Four grandchildren; Tracy (Jennifer) Skidmore of Boise ID, Rachelle (Delane) Hewett of Bellevue WA, Todd (Marina) Garry of Moses Lake WA, Troy (Tracy) Garry of Tacoma WA, Travis (Julie) Skidmore of Moses Lake WA and 16 wonderful great-grandchildren.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jay, sister Karen Andvick, Son-in-law Robert Skidmore, grandson Trent Skidmore and all of her half brothers and sisters.
The family extends a special thank you to Jeremy and Shawna Davis of Sandridge Adult Family Home for all their love and compassion.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Thelma Orr.
She will be dearly missed by all of those who knew and loved her.