Thelma Eilert

Thelma’s life began on May 23, 1919, the daughter of Charley and Minnie (Nash) Baker in Wichita, Kansas. She attended East Center School, Furley Grade Schools and Whitewater High School. On June 1, 1938, she married Harold G. Eilert in Furley. Thelma was a farm wife, and in the 1940’s she worked for Beech Aircraft as a Rosie the Riveter. She was a school bus driver and custodian at Furley Grade School and also a custodian at Furley United Methodist Church. She retired as an activities director from Wheat State Manor in Whitewater.

Memberships included Furley United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She loved God, Jesus, her family and her Furley Church and community. She loved music, playing the piano and singing. She created beautifully embroidered quilts and pillowcases for her family. She loved chickens and cats, tending her flower gardens and taking care of her family, neighbors and the elderly in the community.

Her loving family includes her sons, Edwin (Jan) Eilert of Overland Park, Kansas, Ron Eilert of Arvada, Colorado, Gary (Lamoyne) Eilert of Valley Center, Kansas; daughter Cheryl (Keith) Slater of Furley; 12 grandchildren, John "Gary" Eilert, Scott (Meggan) Eilert, Jami (Mark) Schmideskamp, Robert (Eileen) Eilert, David (Kristoffer) Eilert-Kennelly, Douglas (Tiffany) Eilert, Lesa (Tom) Robke, Sheri (Donavin) Edgerle, Jackie (Tremayne) Reese, Karen (Ryan) Henning, Andrew (Lindsay) Slater, Gregg (Devon) Ulvedal, Jeff (Jeni) Ulvedal; great-grandchildren, Makenna, Ryan, Hailey, Allison, Paige, Maria, Kathryn, Adam, Shelby (Chris), Tyson, Seth, Lyric, Owen, Crosby, Xavier, Lauren, Robert, Skyler and Keegan; one great-great-grandson, Garrett; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Clarence Baker, Ethel Faufaw, Lucy Barker, Florence Kleider, Bertha Miers, Viola Eilert, George Baker and Pauline Hurn; daughter-in-laws, Patty and Linda Eilert. Thelma passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2020, at the age of 101 years old.

Her family will gather with friends on Saturday, June 20, from 10-11:00 a.m. with her funeral following at 11:00, both at Furley United Methodist Church, 11400 E 101st Street N., Valley Center, Kansas 67147. She will be laid to rest in the Green Valley Cemetery in Furley. Due to Covid-19 masks are requested and social distancing will be in place.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Furley United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice in care of Lamb Funeral Home, PO Box 358, Whitewater, Kansas 67154. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Thelma at www.ymzfh.com