Thelma Lucille Swindell

Thelma Lucille Swindell, lived well for more than 102 years. That wonderful life drew to a close on November 12, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas after a short illness. At Thelma’s request there will be no funeral service. She believed funerals were sad and preferred that her life be celebrated by those who knew and loved her. In accordance with her wishes, her family will inter her in a private service. Trinity Terrace, her home of 27 years, will remember her with a celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 22, 2019.

Thelma was born to Ethel Mae Prock and Sardis Leon Robinson on May 10, 1917, in Erick, Oklahoma. It was a time of great turmoil as the United States had entered World War I only one month before. While still an infant she lost her father to an illness that was most likely the Spanish Flu, which left an indelible mark on her life. Over the course of more than century of living, Thelma buried three husbands, raised six children, lived through two world wars, survived the deprivations of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and witnessed Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. She experienced firsthand the transformation of America from a rural, agricultural society to the advanced, technological powerhouse of today. Despite many hardships in her life, Thelma also earned a master’s degree in Business Education, a rare achievement for a woman of her time. With her third husband Luke, Thelma traveled the world, visiting far-off locales such as Russia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. She also put her long retirement to use, applying her formidable energy and talents to a number of causes as a tireless and dedicated volunteer. In her last quarter century of life, Thelma was often referred to as the mayor of Trinity Terrace due to her energy, long tenure, and her willingness to work to improve the lives of those living there.

Thelma’s family and friends will remember her kindness and her genuine respect for others. During her long and well-lived life, Thelma collected many extraordinary experiences and accomplishments. Despite these many remarkable achievements, Thelma was most proud of her six children, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Thelma is preceded in death by her grandson David Oosterhuis, her son-in-law Bill Oosterhuis, her brother Gene Nichols, her sister-in-law Mary Nell Nichols, her brother-in-law A.J. Sanders, and her husbands—Glenn Stinson, O.D. Westfall, and Luke Swindell.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Alice Sanders, her daughters—Glennelle Dixon, Jane Oosterhuis, Sue Mathios, Ann Dixon, and Beth Reid—and her son, John Stinson. She also leaves behind four beloved sons-in-law, a cherished daughter-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The family requests, in accordance with Thelma’s wishes, that in lieu of flowers mourners donate to their favorite charity.