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BORN
1936
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Thelma Richardson Obituary
Thelma was born May 4, 1936, in Ridge, Montana, to Earl and Hazel (Camper) Drane, and from a young age, displayed a vibrant curiosity and talent for the arts.
Thelma graduated from high school in Broadus, Montana, and earned her teaching degree in Billings, South Dakota. On December 28, 1954, she married the love of her life, William "Bill" Richardson, in Billings. Together, they made their home in Shell Rock, Iowa. Thelma worked as the Dean's secretary at Wartburg College in Waverly; later, she served with the United States Postal Service for 10 years and shared her passion for ancestry and community through teaching genealogy courses through Hawkeye Tech.
A gifted and accomplished artist, Thelma's work spanned oil painting, watercolors, mixed media, and crafts. She was also an avid quilter and musician, playing both the piano and guitar. A voracious reader and student of local and family history, she was deeply engaged in preserving the stories of the past. Her innovative spirit also extended to her health and wellness-Thelma was a trendsetter, always embracing healthy habits and taking great care of herself, both mentally and physically.
After Bill's passing in 1999, Thelma lived in New Hampton and then Clarksville before moving to the Western Home Community in 2024.
Thelma is survived by her three children, Les (Cheryl) Richardson of Allison, Tom (Robin) Richardson of Aplington and Kris (Darin) Long of Waterloo, eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, one brother, Alan (Ella Mae) Drane of Yuma, Arizona, and one sister, Betsy (Myron) Deibel of Wickenburg, Arizona. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, one sister, Carol Lambert, and a brother, Larry Drane.
Thelma will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bill, in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or to the family. Online condolences may be left at kaisercorson.com.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is in charge of arrangements. 319-352-1187.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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