Thelma Blackstun

Thelma M. Blackstun Thelma Mae Blackstun of Neodesha, KS, went to be with her Lord January 10, 2009. She was 93. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at the United Methodist Church under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel. The Reverend Kris Brinlee will officiate. Interment will be in Neodesha Cemetery. Friends may call to register and view on Tuesday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. The daughter of George and Maude Julian Martinson, Thelma Mae was born May 5, 1915, in Neodesha. She graduated from Neodesha High School in 1932 and later attended Independence Junior College. On May 22, 1937, she was united in marriage to Murlin J. Blackstun in Council Bluffs, IA. He preceded her in death March 2, 1997. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star where she was a past Worthy Matron, and served on the council of Jobs Daughters. She played the cello for many years in area music clubs and participated in area bridge clubs. Thelma was always involved in local school and community projects as well. While raising her three daughters, she assisted her husband with his business in Wichita and later in Neodesha. During their 59 years of marriage, Thelma and Murlin were fortunate to travel to Japan, Spain, Italy, England and to many Caribbean countries. Survivors include two daughters, Meredith Winfrey of Boise, ID, and Marcia Garner of Springfield, MO; one sister, Yvonne Barney of Neodesha; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Patricia Riley; and one brother, Glen.