"Thelma will live forever in our hearts and memories"
In loving memory of
Thelma Boylan
December 28, 2008
Thelma Lucille (Gudgel) Boylan was born to Benjamin Franklin and Verna (Griffin) Gudgel on September 14, 1908 near Locust Grove in Fremont County. She attended grade school for 8 years at Hillsdale school, and continued her education in Shenandoah and Northboro and graduated with the Class of 1927. It was here that she met Karl Boylan. They were married on Mothers' Day, May 9, 1937 in the parlor of her parents home, where her parents had also been married.
They lived in Karl's parents home on the south edge of Northboro. Karl attended masonry school in Detroit, Michigan. When he wasn't working as a mason, he and Thelma did wallpapering for people. In January of 1940, after their home burned, they moved to Boylan's empty café building in Northboro. Karl enlisted in the Navy Seabees in November of 1942, and left for service in March of 1943. for Camp Perry, Virginia. Thelma traveled to Virginia, Rhode Island and California to be with Karl whenever it was possible. She worked at various wartime jobs. Traveling was a new life style for Thelma. She returned home to live with her parents when Karl was sent to the South Pacific in 1943.
After Karl's return from the service they purchased Shorty Smith's Gas Station. Karl built a new block garage and later added an office and bath. Thelma's mother, Verna came to live with them in December of 1951, after the death of her husband Ben. Verna, Thelma and Karl operated the station and Karl continued to do masonry work. Verna died in 1979.
Karl and Thelma traveled with their Seabee friends to New York, New Jersey, Florida, California and many places in between. They made many friends all over the United States. Karl and Thelma celebrated their 50th anniversary on May 17, 1987 with an open house at the Northboro Town Hall. In 1994 they celebrated their 57th anniversary at the Garden View Care Center.
Thelma continued to operate the gas station after Karl's passing in October of 1995 and remained in Northboro for over 50 years. She had an Appreciation Day for her customers and friends in May of 1996. In 2000 Thelma moved to Fair Oaks in Shenandoah. On September 14, 2008 Thelma celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Fair Oaks.
Thelma was a member of the Northboro United Methodist Church, the Northboro Betterment, Pinochle Club and Bridge Club. She enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends. Thelma was a collector of many things. She loved music boxes and made detailed scrapbooks from the many pictures she took.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Karl, brothers-in-law Glen Boylan and wife Mary and Don Boylan and wife Dorothy and a niece Donna Stewart.
Those left to honor her memory include her nephews Jerry Boylan and friend Janeen Harper of Blanchard and Carl Boylan and wife Margie of Shenandoah; nieces Betty Miller and husband Jon of Milwaukee, WI, Carol Ann Kurtz and husband Jim of Crystal Falls, MI and Sara Annan and husband Bill of Shenandoah and their families along with the family of Donna Stewart. She enjoyed all of her extended family and friends.
Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the Northboro United Methodist Church with Rev. Buck Buckhahn officiating. Becky Parmenter and Ila Jean Carlson attended the memorial register while Howard Carlson and Gary Alger served as ushers. Karen Thompson served as the accompanist for the service. Special music included the congregational hymns "In The Garden" and "Beyond The Sunset". Serving as casket bearers were Ron Saye, Rusty Orme, Rick Apperson, Randy Farwell, Donnie McCoy and Doyle Parmenter. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Howard Carlson, Jerry Boylan, Carl Boylan, Bill Annan, Wilbur Sickman, John Bayless and Lyle Apperson. Burial followed in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Northboro United Methodist Church or the Northboro Betterment Fund in Thelma's honor.
Tributes
"Thelma leaves with a Legacy in Page and Fremont Counties that are unmatchable in terms of recognition, as many consider her the Matriarch of SW Iowa, from Civic affairs to Card Playing to entertaining. She was a unique individual in the history of SW Iowa. She will be missed but never forgotten. "
"Carl&Margie, Carol Ann & Jim, Sara & Bill, Jerry & Janeen, Ron & Scott, Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate Aunt Thelma's life. My family regrets that none of us will be able to join you. I am so glad I was able to come in September for Aunt Thelma's 100th Birthday. It was great to greet many of the extended family I had not seen in a long time. Ours prayers are with you. Betty Jon, Chris & Angie, Anne, Matt, Christine & Eli "
"I am sorry to hear about Aunt Thelma's passing. She reached a milestone of 100 years that many of us won't see. I know that she is "home" now with Karl and her mother. My mother and Thelma were 1st cousins. My mother, June Pruitt, will be 94 years old in January, and lives in a Nursing Home in Wewoka, Ok. My mother and I want to convey our condolences to all of Thelma's family. "
"I mistakenly sent my condolences directly to the Funeral Home, and perhaps they will forward them to you, but wanted to express my sadness at Thelma's passing. She lived a long and wonderful life. My mother, Mamie Griffin Johnston, and her mother, Verna Griffin Gudgel were first cousins, and were with them often, and I have such lovely memories of Thelma, and her vitality and enthusiasm for everything she did. I am very glad that my son, Rick, and I were able to stop and see her in September when we were back in Shen. She was a great person and I will miss her."
"Dear Family, We are sorry to hear of Thelma's death. She was a very special lady. I loved her sense of humor. She was always fun to visit with at the reunions. She remembered things from the past so well. We will all miss her. Our sympathy goes to all of you. We know you will miss her a great deal. May all the wonderful memories you have help get through the tough days ahead. Love, Bill and Janice"
"Dear Boylan Family, We were sorry to hear of Thelma's passing although we knew she was not doing well. We will not be able to attend either the visitation or funeral because we'll be in Colorado attending the funeral of Edward's Uncle Pete Martin. Thelma was a longtime member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 88 and I am President at this time. Love from Ed and Patsy"
"My family sends our condolences and prayers to Thelma's family. My father and mother were very good friends with Thelma & Karl. I also grew up with them always being there. What a great lady Thelma was."
"Dad, my sister, Bonnie, and I join to tell you how glad we are to have known Thelma and Karl, and how blest to have had them for friends. There can be no sorrow, although we shall all miss Thelma. Her passing is truly the end of an era for the community. You nieces and nephews were so important to her, and you were so good to her! A REAL blessing to her. Sincerely, Connie"
"She lived a good long life my Blessings and prayers are with you all at this time"