Rich, Thelma M. 1938-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

Thelma Marie Rich, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 7, 1938, in Andrew County, Missouri, daughter of Margaret and Uga Vessar. She graduated from Lafayette High School class of 1956. On March 23, 1958, she married Robert Rich in St. Joseph. Thelma worked as a Switchboard Operator, retiring from US Bank after 25 years. She was a member of the Abundant Faith Church of God. She was a wonderful wife of over 66 years. She was a foster mother over a period of 20 years to over 86 different children, in the states of California, Massachusetts and Virginia. Thelma was a community volunteer with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She also was honored with being picked Mother of the year of San Diego, California, in 1972. Thelma enjoyed gardening, houseplants and cooking among many other hobbies and interests. She also enjoyed being a member of the Sparta Community Club with her role as entertainment director for many years.

Thelma was also responsible for organizing and helping manage a shut in ministry with her church for two years.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tama Rich; and brother, Samuel Vessar.

Survivors include husband, Robert Rich, of the home; children, Jonna Sample (Richard), of St. Joseph, and Mark Rich (Durice Ladd), of Oregon, Missouri; brother, Stephen Vessar, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services and public live stream will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home.

Memorials are requested to the Gideons for bible donations.

Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.