Obituary of Thelma Ruth Elgersma

    Thelma Ruth Schultz was born July 18, 1930, in Edgerton, MN to loving parents, John and Gertrude (Scholten) Schultz. She received her early education at Edgerton Christian School; graduating from Western Christian High School in Hull, IA with the class of 1948. Following graduation, she attended Sioux Valley Nurses Training in Sioux Falls, SD.

    On December 14, 1950, Thelma became the bride of Wes Elgersma. This union was blessed with six children: Doug, Tim, Starla, Gloria, Barry, and Fred. The family resided in Sheldon, IA and attended the First Christian Reformed Church until becoming charter members of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, all located in Sheldon.

    Thelma poured her energy into homemaking and also worked part time as an LPN at the Sheldon Hospital. As an accomplished organist/pianist, she played for many weddings, funerals, and other special events. She also provided music in worship services for over 60 years. As a couple, Wes and Thelma enjoyed golfing, playing pool, traveling, and spending many winters with friends in Arizona. She was a great cook and an attentive hostess to family and friends. Her attention to detail was top-notch.

    In 1986, Wes and Thelma moved to Sanborn, IA and became members of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church. Wes passed away in 2001, and Thelma began working at De Boer Pharmacy in Sanborn. She also kept busy volunteering at the Village Market in Sheldon and attending concerts and events with her friends. In 2016, after suffering a leg fracture, Thelma became a resident of Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn. It was here she passed from this life to eternal glory on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

    Thelma was predeceased by her parents, John and Gertrude Schultz; her husband, Wes; a son, Doug Elgersma; her brother, Verlyn Schultz; and two great-grandchildren.

    Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Tim Elgersma of Menasha, WI, Starla and Lee Reitsma of Sanborn, IA, Gloria and George Miller of Middleburg, IA, Barry and Brenda Elgersma of Sioux Falls, SD, and Fred Elgersma of Waterford, CT; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Beth (Tom) Den Ouden of Springfield, MO, and Marlys Krajchir of Palm Desert, CA.

May we instill in succeeding generations the virtues she taught.

Memorial gifts in honour of Thelma will be directed to Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa