Thelma McDaniel

Another generation has ended with the passing of our dear mother, Thelma McDaniel on November 9, 2003, at the age of 90. She was born April 12, 1913, the second child of Albert and Etta Thaxton in New Cambria, Missouri.

On October 11, 1930, she married Reuben McDaniel and spent many years in Iowa working beside her husband farming, managing a large dairy farm and raising six children. The family moved to Seattle in 1956, where she worked in retail sales. She loved to garden especially roses, sew and crochet, and was an avid reader of mystery books.

Life wasn?t always easy for Thelma, but she never asked for much for herself. She was a hard worker, as most farm women are; and was accepting of whatever came her way, whether joy or sorrow. She sewed clothing for her children in the family?s leaner years, and made sure every grandchild and great grandchild came into the world with a beautiful afghan, crocheted with loving care by her arthritic fingers.

She never thought she was a good cook, but her family all carry the fond memories of her homemade yeast breads, chocolate and apple pies, fudge, scratch Angel Food cake, and fried chicken. She raised her own chickens on the farm, and make no mistake; she could take them every step from the hen house to the table. That?s just what you did if you wanted chicken.

She was not a demonstrative woman, but her children and her family were everything to her.

She was preceded in death by Reuben, her husband of 67 years, her son James, and grandchildren Stephen and Cynthia.

She leaves to celebrate her life and honor her legacy daughters: Jean Vern Rockstad, Virginia Richard Ambuehl, Linda Fetters, Judy Ed Sauer, and Sandy Bill Wecker McDaniel. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Langland House Lucille, Nancy, Oni, and May, Dr. Mark Moscovitz, Swedish Home Health & Hospice Penny, Andrewnetta, and Cheryl, and Cynthia and Kathleen for their gentle loving care in easing Mom?s last few months.

A Memorial service to be held Saturday, November 15, 2003, at 10:00 am in the Evergreen-Washselli Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Swedish Home Health & Hospice, 5701 6th Avenue S., Seattle, WA 98108; their help and guidance has been invaluable to us.

We?ll miss you Mom.