Thelma Ambrose

Thelma Mae Ambrose, 94, of Walnut, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at Mount Ayr Healthcare Center.

Thelma Mae was born May 5, 1923, in Honey Creek, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Julius and Ethel Mae (French) Rief. Thelma was the last surviving of their four children, Gilbert Rief, Esther Peters and Ila Hicks. The Rief family moved from their farm in Honey Creek to a farm in Woodbine, Iowa, in 1938. This is where Thelma met her future husband, Walter Joseph Ambrose. Many sweet stories have been shared of their high school romance which culminated into their “secret marriage” on November 2, 1940. Walter graduated in May and when WWII broke out he bravely joined the United States Army. After their wedding, Walter left for the army and Thelma completed her high school degree in May 1941. They maintained their secret for one whole year. Walter left for the European War front and Thelma lived with her parents until the war ended in 1944. At that time, they began farming the Ambrose Farm just outside of Woodbine. This is where they became proud parents of their four children: Thelma Josephine, Sandra Mae, Walter Joseph, Jr., and Marie Ethel. They were a very hardworking couple who farmed all their lives, along with many other endeavors.

Thelma was a devoted wife and mother, and was known for her skills at gardening, cooking, baking, canning, etc. She was very active in the farming operation, and was Walter’s right hand person. Thelma was always involved with her children and their education, and volunteered as a 4-H Leader for many years. At one point she was the President of the local Democratic Party. It may be hard to believe, but she even found time to work preparing meals at Lewis Central School.

Thelma is survived by her daughters, Sandra Mae Wood and her husband, LeRoy of Kellerton, Iowa, and Marie Ethel King and her husband, Charles of Houston, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter J. Ambrose, Sr.; son, Walter J. Ambrose, Jr.; and daughter, Thelma Josephine Heaps.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Dean McPherson officiating. Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service starting at 9:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Thelma’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN LOVING MEMORY
Thelma Mae Ambrose
BORN
May 5, 1923 - Honey Creek, Iowa

DIED
December 26, 2017 - Mount Ayr, Iowa
At the age of 94 Years, 7 Months, 21 Days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017
First United Methodist Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Dean McPherson

ORGANIST
Carolyn DeLay

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“In the Garden” by the Congregation #314
“One Day At A Time” by Heidi Hinman
“How Great Thou Art” by the Congregation #77

CASKET BEARERS
Grandsons
William Heaps, Jr.
John Heaps
Omer Adli
Jason Heaps
Benjamin Ambrose
Christopher King
Richard King
John King

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Granddaughters
Kimberly DeleVega
Jennifer Hahn
Safiye Fleener
Ashley King

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa

Please join the family at Roland Funeral Home following
services at the cemetery for lunch and fellowship.

Spring Garden
So when I looked at those flowers,
I was looking at God
For they bloomed in His sun
And grew in His sod
And each lovely flower
was a “voice from above”
That whispered a message
of Kindness and Love
For I feel in my heart,
and I know you do, too,
That God speaks to us all
through the kind things we do
And when I looked at those flowers
I couldn’t help but feel
That they brought heaven nearer
and made God so real.
Helen Steiner Rice