Thelma L. Earle

Thelma L. Earle, age 100, of Dover, died Monday, February 27, 2017, in New Dawn Retirement Center.



Born February 20, 1917, in Pleasantville, Tennessee, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Mattie Dudley Little. Thelma moved with her family at a young age to Dover and graduated from Dover High School. She went on to attend Stafford Business College, and later obtained her insurance license. Thelma was employed by the Hanhart Agency in Dover, and worked as an agent for Universal Guaranty Life.



She was the oldest member of Dover First United Methodist Church (88 years), where she was a communion steward, president of the Women's Society of Christian Service, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and participated in the prayer chain. Thelma belonged to the Women's Auxiliary of the Salvation Army; was a founding member and treasurer of the Dover Jaycee Wives; Twig III, Union Hospital Auxiliary; Tuscarawas Valley Duplicate Bridge Club; and was a life member of the Mu Chapter of Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority.



Survivors include her son, Richard C. Earle of Switzerland; her daughter, Lana S. Earle of Dover; and her niece, Dana Cowardin.



In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Arthur W. Earle, on May 30, 1989; her infant son, Thomas William Earle; her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and William Obermiller; and her brother, Charles Little.



In keeping with Thelma's wishes, she will be cremated. A graveside service, open to the public, will be held Wednesday, March 8, at 2 p.m., in Dover Burial Park; Pastor David St. Aubin will officiate. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Thelma, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.



The family wishes to acknowledge New Dawn for the care and kindness provided to Thelma Thank You So Very Much.



It is suggested that contributions in Thelma's memory be made to Dover First United Methodist Church 1725 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622, or, to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.