Thelma Dyer Russell

In Loving Memory Thelma Mason Dyer Russell April 27, 1941-September 3, 2017 Thelma Mason Dyer Russell passed away Sunday September 3, 2017 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, WA. Thelma was born to the union of Gurney and Letha Mason on April 27, 1941 in Montrose, Colorado. She split her early years in Colorado and Arkansas. Thelma was the 7th of 12 children, the oldest of the youngest six siblings. Thelma married Johnny Dyer in 1959. To this union was born Lonnie Ray, Sherrill Lynn, David Lee, Steve Wesley and Bruce Thomas. In 1970 she welcomed a daughter, Renae Michelle. In 1973 Thelma welcomed her youngest child Robert Andrew to the world. Thelma was always a strict disciplinarian, and kept close tabs on her children. “Spare the rod, spoil the child” was a favorite motto of hers. Thelma spent her working years in many industries, including Russell Stover Candy factory, bookkeeping and in later years, Goodwill Industries Columbia Basin. She retired from Aging and Adult Care in 2002. In 2015, a longtime friend, Joseph Russell decided that Thelma should be his bride. He asked for her hand in marriage, and she said yes. They celebrated their second wedding anniversary on April 11, 2017. This was some of the happiest years of mom’s life. Her children hadn’t seen her that happy in many years. It was an adjustment, but she was always so flattered at how much he doted on her. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gurney, Logan, Gerald Frank, Leon, Steven Munroe, Marion and Robert Dale. Thelma leaves to celebrate her memory husband Joseph Russell, her sisters Pauline Lower of Riverton, WY and Cassie McDonnell of Everson, WA, brothers John Kenneth (Shirlene) of Connell, WA; Richard Curtis (Michelle) of Hinesville, Ga.; her seven children, Lonnie Ray of Tyler, TX; Sherrill Lynn of Richland, WA; David Lee (Flora) of Soap Lake, WA; Steve Wesley of Soap Lake, WA.; Bruce Thomas (Annika) of Oklahoma City, Ok.; Renae Michelle of Soap Lake, WA.; and Robert Andrew of Medford, Or. Also celebrating her memory are her grandchildren James Patrick, Sheree Lynn, Christopher Deane, Joshua David, Daniel Thomas, Jeremy Joseph, Kylie Ann, Paige Marie, Joseph Michael, Yvonne Marie, and Anthony Martin. She is also survived by great grandchildren Oscar, Olive, Oaklynn, Oryan, Kennedie, Lilian, Joseph Michael Jr., King Desmond, Gabriel Thomas, Aria Lynn; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. A viewing will be held at Nicoles Funeral Home on Friday, September 8, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Bethlehem Chapel on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Graveside services will be held later that afternoon at Mountainview Cemetery in Connell, Wa. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Wa.

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Thelma Dyer Russell

April 27, 1941 - September 3, 2017