Funeral services for Thelma M. Johnson, age 87, will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Tekoa Community Church in Tekoa, WA.  Pastor Marlow Thompson will officiate at the service and burial will follow at Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa.  Thelma passed away on Sunday, November 12th at her home north of Tensed.

Thelma was born on December 7, 1929 to Milton and Alma (Ryser) Krell at the family home west of Tekoa.  She was the 4th of eight children in the family.    Her family moved to the farm on the Spokane / Whitman County line where she was raised.   She started school in Latah, WA, and when the family moved to Tekoa, completed her education at Tekoa High School, graduating in 1947. 

Thelma Krell married Robert L. Johnson on December 31, 1950 at Latah, Washington.  They made their home initially on the Johnson Brothers farm near Tensed, and moved to their new farm home north of Tensed in 1953.  Robert and Thelma farmed together until his death in 1984.  She continued to be active on the farm, where she still lives, and was driving tractor earlier this fall.  Thelma and Bob raised three children, Gary born in 1952, Rhonda born in 1955, and Dale born in 1956.

She was a founding member, with 20 years of service, with the Tensed Ambulance.   Thelma was a former member of the Andrew Springs Ladies Club, the Highland Ladies Club, and was active in the Tuesday pinochle Club in Tekoa.  She was a former member and office holder on the Tensed Grange.   Thelma played on town team basketball and Ladies softball teams in Plummer, Tensed, and in Tekoa.  Her hobbies included woodworking and quilting, but was happiest while driving tractor for the family farm.  Thelma also enjoyed Gonzaga Basketball and watching tennis.  Thelma’s greatest joy was her grandkids and many great grandkids.  She enjoyed all outings with her family.

Survivors include her children, Gary (Teresa) Johnson of DeSmet, ID, Rhonda (Mike) Mishalanie of Kirkland, WA, and Dale (Connie) Johnson of DeSmet, ID; seven grandchildren, four step grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.  Also surviving are three sisters, Juanita Saterfiel of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Doloris (Mrs. George) Young of Oakesdale, WA, and Geraldine Krell of Spokane, WA.  Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her brother Gene Krell, and sisters Marceen Fish, Bernita Parker, and Doris Moy.

Memorial gifts may be given to the American Diabetes Assn. at www.diabetes.org  or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at www.jdrf.org.

Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa is caring for the family.  You may leave online condolences or order flowers at www.kramercares.com.

 Service Information