Thelma Davidson

Thelma Beatrice Davidson departed this world and passed into the next Jan. 17, 2007, from the comfort of the home she cherished. Thelma was born Jan. 11, 1920, to Elsie and Wesley Mahler in Waseca, Minn. As the oldest of seven children, Thelma, from a young age, was crucial in keeping the large, noisy, active household going. Her family moved to Winnebago, Minn. in 1934. In her teen years, Thelma began working in her father's hardware store. She had an immediate aptitude for management, and her self-taught bookkeeping skills resulted in her father's use of invoices rather than relying on a simple handshake. Thelma increased her involvement in the family's thriving hardware business after her graduation from Winnebago High School. In 1942, Thelma married Carroll Davidson. While Carroll was in the Army during World War II, they lived in a variety of locales including Arkansas and Virginia. Following his deployment overseas, Thelma and her infant son Tad returned to Minnesota. Upon Carroll's discharge from the army, they farmed in southern Minnesota. During this time, Thelma was extremely active in the First United Methodist Church and Eastern Star. In 1959, the Davidson family moved to Fort Collins. During the next 30 years, Thelma continued her energetic work ethic in several capacities. She managed the cafeteria of her neighborhood school, Moore Elementary. Later, she and Carroll owned Design Interiors in Windsor. Thelma became very adept at the art of selling carpeting, draperies and wallpaper. In 1974, they sold the business and "retired" to Phoenix, Ariz. After renting an apartment in a large complex, Carroll and Thelma observed that there were a number of deficiencies in the operations. Consequently, they applied for a management opening; after a short tenure, they found themselves as general managers. Again their strong work ethic and attention to detail was appreciated by the W.R. Schultz Company. Ultimately, they were responsible for the management of two large complexes in Phoenix and Scottsdale until 1985 when they returned to Fort Collins. Upon Thelma's official retirement in 1985, she had a variety of interests. Paramount was her role as grandmother, endeavoring to be the best "Grammie" ever to her young grandchildren. In addition to nurturing children, she was gifted at gardening; indoor and outdoor plants alike benefited from her caring hands. Her passion for baking and entertaining was legendary Christmas cookies and candies were her specialty, a feast for eyes and mouths. Throughout her life, Thelma enjoyed socializing; she greatly treasured the companionship of friends, church members and neighbors, past and present. Thelma had a lifelong dedication to exercise and nutrition and was an early prot ¬g ¬ of Jack LaLanne. Into her early 80s, she consistently took 3-5 mile walks each day. Most recently, she was involved in water aerobics at EPIC, where she made many new friends. Words are inadequate to describe the phenomenally bright light Thelma was in our lives. In our feeble attempt to explain her, the following words come to mind: gracious, gentle, kind, intelligent, spunky, a lover of practical jokes. As matriarch of her large family, Thelma was generous and unselfish, the one everyone turned to for guidance, laughter and comfort. Thelma is survived by her three children, Tad Davidson Carolyn, Cynthia Stansfield Steve and Jane Bradley Mark. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jill Hoden Curt, Amy Culler Jeff, Sean Bradley and Lincoln Bradley. Thelma has three great-grandchildren, Logan Jaramillo, Hunter Hoden, and Jaxson Hoden. Also surviving are her siblings, Rick Mahler Rochester, Minn., Millie Oliver Fort Collins, Betty Passer St. Paul, Minn, Myra Schabacker Twin Falls, Idaho, and Marge Ganzkow Loveland. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Jim Mahler, and most recently, her beloved Schnauzer, Heidi. Visitation will be from 9 to 6 p.m., Monday at Bohlender Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at the First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Schuster will officiate at the services. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Larimer County or the First United Methodist Church, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .