Stokes, Thelma Ruth

Thelma Ruth Stokes, 93, went home to the loving arms of our Lord Jesus on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at Higley Mansion. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements,

Survivors include four children, Sheryl (Jerry) Lindsay of LaVerne, Calif., Lois (Dan) Denison of Bartlesville, Okla., Roger (Joyce) Stokes of Ottumwa and Kathleen (Bruce) Visser of Atkins; and one brother, Duane of Morton, Wash. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her firstborn son, David; and two brothers, John and Delaine Church.

Thelma was born July 14, 1919, in Philip, S.D., the daughter of Howard and Gertrude Wilson Church. In 1935, when she was a junior in high school, the family moved to Cedar Rapids and since then she has been a lifelong resident. On June 14, 1938, she married a young minister, Albert J. Stokes, pastor of the Interdenominational Church on Third Street and Fifth Avenue. Albert preceded her in death in 1983; they were married for 45 years.

When Albert could no longer pastor, they became active members of First Church of the Nazarene in Cedar Rapids, where they worshipped for 35 years. She enjoyed helping people in need and sharing her gifts of hospitality. She also loved being with her family and friends.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 2201 Silver Lake Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Please leave a message or tribute to Thelma's family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Dec. 3, 2012 in The Gazette