Mrs. Thelma Frances Autrey

Thelma Autrey, Aug. 8, 1924 to May 26, 2016,

Ray Autrey, Nov. 12, 1923

to Jan. 1, 2013

On May 26, 2016, Thelma Autrey answered the call to "square up" for the big hoedown in the Great Beyond to rejoin her beloved husband, Ray. Thelma was born in a little house on Ferger Ave. in Fresno to Elva and Bill Dishman. She graduated from Fresno High in 1942. Two weeks after graduation, she and Ray were married and enjoyed 70 years together before Ray's passing. When Ray left to serve in the United States Army-Air Corp during WWII, Thelma moved to Emeryville and became "Rosie the Riveter" to do her part for the war effort. She worked in the shipyards as a marine electrician. After the war, she and Ray returned to Fresno to create a home and raise three children. Thelma was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an Avon Lady for a while and worked a few holiday seasons at Harry Coffee's. She was artistic and creative, delving into painting, crafts, and sewing. She was also athletic and graceful both on the ice and on the square and round dance floor. She brought clogging to Fresno and taught classes. She enjoyed traveling in their motorhome especially with their square dancing friends. Thelma's family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living for all of their love and TLC during her three year residency there. All of you have truly been our angels during that time and have given us great peace of mind knowing our mom was in very good hands right to the end. We also wish to thank St. Agnes Hospice for their help and support during our Mom's last two weeks of life. Blessings and love to you all.Thelma is survived by her three children, Judy Nelson and her husband Jack, Larry Autrey and his wife Pei Ling, and Tim Autrey and his wife Suzette. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A private Graveside Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity or to St. Agnes Hospice, PO Box 27350, Fresno, CA 93729-9804.