In loving memory of

Thelma Dowell
June 9, 2011

Thelma Elizabeth (Carmichael) Dowell was born on August 5, 1915 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Lon and Florence (Ault) Carmichael. Thelma entered into eternal peace on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa at the blessed age of 95 years.

Thelma's early years were spent in Coin, Iowa where she attended school. She graduated from Coin High School with the Class of 1933. On March 22, 1936 she was united in marriage to Carl Milton Dowell in Coin. The couple resided on a farm outside of town.

Thelma was a dedicated wife and mother. She took on jobs outside of the home when needed. She worked as a Home Health-Aide, was a lunch lady at the Coin School, and later worked as an aide at Elm Heights. Caring for others, is what she did best.

She was a member of the Canasta Club, the United Presbyterian Church Women's Group, served as the church pianist, enjoyed her apartment card group, and served as pianist for various other groups in the community. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women. Some of her hobbies included cooking, playing the piano, playing card games, and caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; her husband Milton; a sister Helen Goodman; and brother-in-law Herb Goodman.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Dan and Linda Dowell of Littleton, CO and Dr. Peter and Kay (Dowell) Gibson of Lake Angelus, MI; 6 grandchildren Jim and Kristen (Gibson) Mauk of Valparaiso, IN, Donald and Kathy Gibson of Troy, MI, Tom and Kathy (Gibson) Joseph of Grand Rapids, MI, Jerry and Valeri (Gibson) Gidcumb of Panama City, FL, Darren and Terri Dowell of Lakewood, CO and Armando and Lindsey (Dowell) Gallegos of Littleton, CO; 20 great-grandchildren; other relatives and dear friends.



Tributes

Gary & Julie Funkhouser wrote on Jun 11, 2011:

"Our sympathy to your families on the passing of your mother. She was such a gracious lady and we remember her also as a talented musician. "

Ron Ketcham wrote on Jun 11, 2011:

"Dan - I just happened to be in Shenandoah this week and heard about the passing of your Mother. I'm sorry for your loss but know you have many, many memories to comfort you, your sister Kay, and your families."

Kathy Halderman wrote on Jun 11, 2011:

"Aunt Thelma was a gracious grand lady would didn't know how NOT to love. She will be missed greatly and prayers go out to all her family. Kay and Dan, the Lord bless your entire families and may Milt and Thelma smile on you together from heaven. Love, Kathy"

Sandy Herzberg wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"Pete and Kay, Dan and Linda Thelma was such an important part of our lives and we are blessed to have had her in them. She is absolutely the classiest lady that I have ever known for everyone that got to spend time with her they are the lucky ones. Thanksgiving will not be the same without her but I am so grateful for every one that I spent with her. I love you Thelmie and will never forget you. Sandy"

Roger Martin wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"Dan and Kay, our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time in your lives. Since my mother, (Pauline Martin), moved into the same apartment bldg., we have listened and enjoyed Sunday afternoons several times as your mother sat and played the piano. Her graciousness will be missed. Roger"

June Miller (Exceen) wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"Kay and Danny, I am so very sorry for your loss but you know she is in a better place. I just had the pleasure of talking with your Mom at the Coin High banquet about two weeks ago. I gave her a hug and she was as regal and "queen like" as always. She got her corsage and wore it proudly for being the oldest lady at the banquet. She was one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life. I will be out of town the day of the service, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families. Your friend, June(Exceen)Miller"

doris sandquist wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend the services. She was a dear friend, we were in the same Sunday School class and she entertained us often with her beautiful music. She shared her gift so well. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Barbara Cunningham wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"Thelma was a classy lady. I will never forget her playing the piano at the Methodist church. What a talented woman. I know she touched the lives of many. My sympathy."

Sherry Wachtler wrote on Jun 10, 2011:

"Dan and Kay and families, So sorry to hear about Thelma. I'll always have the fondest memories of her - making cream puffs for your birthday parties at school, serving school lunches and always dressing to the nines. What a lovely, lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all - Sherry (Tenhulzen) and Bill Wachtler "