Thelma Raye Elliott

Born February 10, 1921, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to her parents James Emory and Mathilda Horner, she was one of seven children, including her twin Velma Faye Bartlett.

After graduating high school, she moved to St. Louis, Mo., where she began working in a sewing factory during WWII.

It was there that she encountered Christine Elliott, who would introduce her to Thelma’s future husband, Paul Russell Elliott.

Paul and Thelma immediately fell in love and were married in 1946. Less than a year later she gave birth to their only son Russell in February of 1947.

Over the course of the next 55 years, Paul and Thelma would be inseparable. The traveled to all 50 states, had many fun adventures together and made many friends. In 1978 their only grandson Phillip was born, and they took on the role of doting grandparents happily. Thelma always made sure her family was well provided for and wanted for nothing. She always managed to live a life of great fulfillment, and was always willing to help others.

Both Thelma and her husband were active members of the St. Ann senior dances, and despite her husband’s passing in 2002, Thelma continued to go and was always willing to lend and helping hand at the dances.

She was a very strong and independent woman; always insisting on doing her own chores, and maintaining her house by herself, right up until her death.

She was truly an amazing woman.

She is survived by her twin sister, Velma Faye Bartlett; two nephews, three nieces, several grand-nieces and nephews; her son Russell Allen Elliott and grandson Phillip Walton Elliott. She is also survived by her cousin by marriage Genni Koser, and her entire family, who always went out of their way to make her feel a part of their family and loved deeply.

A funeral service will be held 7 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2014, at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home, 11101 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, Mo. 63074. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Private interment will take place on April 15.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Lutheran School, Attn: Development Office, 110 Woodbine Drive, Kirkwood, Mo. 63122.