Thelma Yvonne (Schmeling) Willems passed away of complications associated with cancer on Saturday, May 6, 2017 with her son (Gary) and grandson (Shane) by her side. She was 86.
Thelma was born 8 miles South of Harlowton, Montana on September 30, 1930 to J. Edward Schmeling and Martha Louise Townsend. She graduated from Harlowton High School in 1948.
On June 3, 1946, she met her future husband Frank Willems on a blind date in the local malt shop. They married on April 9, 1949 and were inseparable for nearly 68 years until Frank’s passing on January 4, 2017.
Thelma was a dedicated worker all her life. She began working as a teenager in Harlowton. She worked at First Security Bank in Harlowton from May 1, 1948 to November 22, 1957. She took time off from work to raise two children. The first (Ron) was born in December of 1958 and the second (Gary) was born in April of 1962. She stayed at home with both boys until March 6, 1969 when she began working at the Holiday Inn in Bozeman. She worked there until March 6, 1972 when the family moved to Helena and she took a job at 1st Security Bank on April 1, 1972 until December 7, 1978. On January 16, 1979 she began work at the Montana Department of Highways where she remained until her retirement on December 31, 2010.
Thelma was an avid/passionate bowler and golfer. She began bowling in September of 1952 and took up golf in June of 1980. She attended the national bowling tournaments for 34 years and the State golf tournament for 25 years. She also loved to participate in the Montana Governor’s Cup race (29 years); Race for the Cure (23 years); Ice Breaker (4 years); and, the Elkhorn Run (3 years, won her age group one time).
Thelma was an exceptional mother and wife! Her children were brought up to be responsible, respectful, and passionate. She spent many hours each day for 10+ long years caring for her husband Frank at a nursing home. Nobody has ever been more committed or dedicated to a loved one than Mom. This dedication and commitment took a heavy toll on a normally strong and healthy 86-year old body and in February of 2017, just weeks after losing her husband of 67 years, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. She tried as hard as she could to maximize her life for a few extra months, but finally succumbed to other complications that would not allow her to tough it out any longer. Thankfully, she was able to hang on long enough to lay a few days with her newly born great granddaughter (Hadlee Reneé) and she cherished those moments. You could see it in her eyes. She was mentally sharp until the very end when she asked her family to let her go.
Thelma was preceded in death by both parents; husband Frank; and older brother Dale and his wife Barbara.
She is survived by her sons Ron (Patti) and Gary (Suzanne); two grandsons, Shane (Shae) and Broc; great granddaughter Hadlee (Shane/Shae); two step-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; elder brother Robert (Bob) Schmeling and his wife Eleanor; and several nieces and nephews and her very close childhood friend, Joanne Collins and husband, Jack.
Mom had MANY close and special friends acquired over a lifetime of work, bowling, golf, etc. There are too many to list for fear of leaving somebody out. However, these people truly know who they are and how special they were to her. Our family can’t thank you all enough for your friendship and support over all the years. Mom loved you all very much and made that clear to us before her departure from this life. THANK YOU !!!
Also, a very heartfelt thanks to all the staff at St. Peters Hospital and, in particular, the nursing staff that devoted so much time, care, attention, and compassion to Mom and her family during the past three weeks. The attention and care was absolutely impeccable and our mother could not have been more pleased.
Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16th at the funeral home. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial take place, alongside her husband, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, following the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Montana Hope Project.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service in Social hall of funeral home
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following Reception
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service in Social hall of funeral home
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following Reception
Tuesday May 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mary McLees Sark says
I’m so sadden to read about Thelma. Only known her a few years but what a kind person she was. I was so impressed on her age and her bowling techniques. Rest in peace. Prayers for her family and friends.
Laura Whale says
Thelma, you will be greatly missed. I enjoyed bowling with you over the years!! You are now at peace. You and your husband can go frolic in the sand and grass to your hearts content!!
Gayla Gilbert says
Thelma I will miss your smiling face and you were such a joy in our lives. We didn’t get to know you long but of what time we did have I loved our talks in the Nursing home. You will be forever in my and our family hearts!!!
Tom Winfield says
I had the pleasure of working with Thelma for fifteen years, she always had a positive professional attitude with a smile on her face. We will all miss her in the MCS office.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Willems Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Thelma’s passing. First met Thelma in 1984 when she was a patient at my husband’s (Dr. Score) office. Always a spring in her step and a smile to greet you. A few years later I had the pleasure of seeing her more often when I became employed at Department of Transportation. Ran into her over the years after she retired, more recently a couple of years ago at the nursing home and then just this last December when my Mom and I were shopping at Penny’s. We had a very nice visit. She was a very devoted loving wife to Jack and was so very faithful in visiting him a couple of times (or more) every day in the 10+ years he was at Rocky Mountain. I pray that all the memories you hold close within your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. You have my deepest sympathy.
Rhonda Robertson (Strainer-Score)
Diane says
To the Willems family.
I had the pleasure of knowing Thelma for many years. We bowled together and I was even lucky enough to golf with her a few times. Thelma is now reunited with Frank. Let’s just hope there are bowling alleys and golf courses in Heaven. Rest in peace my friend. Diane Pedersen
Mary Bryson says
To Thelma’s Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Thelma for several years. She welcomed me to the Ladies Golf Association at Bill Roberts Golf Course and cheered me on as my game improved. She was always positive and encouraging and we always had fun at state tournament. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
LaMona Patera says
Thelma will be missed very much so. I had the pleasure of working with her . She was a great lady. My thought and prayers are with your family
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
Words cannot describe the selflessness and genuine love that Thelma had for life, and for everyone she touched. She was a dear friend and I will miss her wonderful hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michele says
What an amazing, beautiful woman she was – not only a gifted athlete, but also built of the finest character. She truly lived her life well. She will be missed by everyone blessed enough to have crossed paths with her.
Bob Lubick says
I was very fortunate to have known Thelma while working at MDT. Thelma drove one of the building vehicles every day to MDT from the Motor Pool. It was always a treat to visit with her & amazed me on all the things she was involved with. What a wonderful lady. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Kevin Bartsch says
On behalf of the Bartsch family, deepest sympathies and condolences to Ron, Gary and the rest of Thelma’s family. When I think of Thelma, I continue to be absolutely amazed at the energy, enthusiasm and overwhelmingly positive outlook she exhibited whenever I saw her. Whether it be at a sporting event, the bowling alley or some social event at Gary and Suzanne’s house, Thelma would greet you with a huge smile which bowling, golf or other sporting event was on her horizon. To say ‘nobody has ever been more committed or dedicated to a loved one’ may be one of the most understated parts of Thelma’s obituary! Her dedication to Frank was simply beyond astounding. She will be sorrowfully missed and her passing leaves a huge void. People like Thelma don’t come along often, and she brightened the life of everyone she encountered.
Sue Bannon says
Gosh, Thelma we miss you already . Your energy, your spunky competitive spirit, your excitement when you win 50/50 and your incredible memory of tournaments and events from years back. I loved seeing you every week in the summer and at sporting events in the winter. You always had something interesting to say and contribute to a conversation . This week at golf someone said , ” I cannot believe she’s gone” and I have to say, it’s hard to imagine golf league without Thelma. Please know we will all miss you so much and you will always have a place in our hearts at ladies league. Rest in peace dear Thelma.
Vanessa Tolson says
Thelma was my hero. What a wonderful lady, she always had a smile on her face and kind words to say, I don’t think I ever heard her say anything negative. She amazed me when she golfed for many years walking pushing her clubs no matter what the weather. She walked golfing long after I gave it up to ride in a cart & I am much younger than Thelma. I have many cherished memories of Thelma at golf league at Bill Roberts & every year at the Women’s State Golf Tournament; such an energized competitor! Her golf game continued to impove & boy could she hit the ball. I hope you golf par in Heaven Thelma! you will be missed. I am happy for you that you are back with Frank & now you can frolick together.
I will walk in the Race for a Cure in your memory Thelma!
Bless you all.
James & Carol DeLong says
James & Carol (Schmeling) DeLong
Memories of Aunt T’s positiveness, love, fun attitude toward so many things & issues come to mind. We spent a lot of time together while she lived in Bozeman, MT & we attended MSU. We have so many memories. After our marriage, Aunt T was such an encourager, full of insight. We will certainly miss her upon our regular visits back to Montana. May God richly bless us all from knowing the love, life & enthusiasm of Aunt Thelma!
Judy Bauer says
God Bless your journey Thelma, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends during this tough time. Memories are the best. Thelma was a beautiful woman, funny and eager to help friends and family. I knew Thelma from MDT, what a gal. We will miss your smiling face and positive attitude.
Lindsey Dundas MacIntyre says
I’ll never forget when I first met Thelma. I was only 13 years old and playing in my first big golf tournament. I was so nervous and frustrated and on the 5th hole I couldn’t hold back the tears. Although she had just met me, Thelma showered me with kindness and even got me laughing. From that day on, and for 20 years Thelma was my number one favorite lady to golf with. Her positive attitude and spunk brightened the day the second you saw her; she was always such a joy to be around. It has been a blessing and honor to know Thelma on and off the golf course, and I will miss her dearly. Sending love, support, and prayers to her family. What an exceptional woman Thelma was!
Jan Lewis says
I was so sad to learn about Thelma. What an energetic and enthusiastic person she was! I loved golfing with her and will truly miss her. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
matt & Mary Kunnary says
To the Willems family – I golfed, bowled, joined her in the Race for the Care and the Governors Cup. She was a winner and always involved. You were never surprised to see her at a race, or a tournament. i have golfed with her and she has been in the winning circle. God Bless you Thelma. You are now at rest with your husband and friend for life. We will miss you. Mary & Matt Kunnary