Thelma Baker

Thelma Hazel Sear Baker of Fort Collins, passed away on Oct. 28, 2008 at the Sterling House. She was born Dec. 15, 1919, in Odessa, Neb., to George William Sear and Alma Hazel Hanley Sear. She married Francis James Baker on Dec. 27, 1941 in Kearney, Neb. before Francis left for service in World War II. They spent many years stationed at army posts across the United States and Germany and retired to Fort Collins in 1965. Thelma graduated from the University of Nebraska Nursing School and was a Registered Nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital from March 1965 until she retired in Dec. 1984. Thelma was a true and forever friend who gave her unconditional love and understanding to all of her family. She was a seamstress, an avid bridge player, reader, enjoyed movies, and creating beautiful cross stitch pieces until her eyesight no longer permitted her to do so. Thelma traveled extensively after her retirement and had visited all 50 states and several foreign countries. She was active many years with Retired Officer's Wives and her church circles and bible study. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister; and a granddaughter. Missing her greatly are her son, Ron and wife, Lynne of Loveland; and daughter, Linda Horsley, and husband Garry of Wichita, Kan.; two grandsons, James Baker, and wife, Angel of Marlborough, Mass., and Robert Baker and wife Yumiko of Brighton, Mass.; and two granddaughters, Kirsten Beck, and husband, Thomas of Wichita, Kan., and Ronette Horsley of Ottawa, Kan. Thelma will be remembered as Grandma Great to her four great grandchildren, Isabella Grace Baker and Carson, Carissa, and Cooper Beck. Nieces, nephews and many friends will miss her and her positive outlook on life. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday Nov. 3, 2008 at Thelma's church home, Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, with the Reverend Nancy Boswell officiating. Cremation will be arranged by Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be given to Christ United Methodist Church in Thelma's honor.