Obituary for Thelma Bley

Thelma Louise Reinking Bley, age 90, of Ponca City, former Secretary at First Lutheran School, passed away July 12, 2014 in Ponca City.

Viewing will be Monday until 8:00pm and Tuesday 8:00am to 8:00pm at Trout Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the First Lutheran Church with Reverend Jeremy May officiating. Burial will then follow at the Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Thelma was born on August 26, 1923 to Edward C. and Ella M. Brockman Reinking in Nardin, Oklahoma. She attended Nardin school through the 11th grade and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1941. She especially valued the typing and booking, skills she learned her senior year.

She was married to Howard C. Bley on May 30, 1942 in Ponca City. During the time Howard was overseas during World War II, Thelma lived in Winfield, KS and worked at the Ration Board. Thelma and Howard were blessed with three children, Mary Louise, John Howard, and Margaret Anne. Their union lasted 29 years until his death in 1971.

Thelma sang in the church choir for over 70 years. She was active in the Women’s Guild and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She especially enjoyed decorating the church and fellowship hall for weddings, anniversaries and birthday receptions.

In addition to serving as a dedicated church member and volunteer, Thelma was employed as secretary at First Lutheran School and bookkeeper at First Lutheran Church and School for over 25 years retiring in 1993.

In retirement she was the No. 1 cheerleader for her grandchildren, whether it be music programs, sporting events, plays, or their church activities.

Survivors include her son: John Bley, of Ponca City, daughters: Mary Hittle (Larry) of Winfield, KS and Margaret Burkhart (Art), of Edmond, OK, grandchildren: Melissa (Hittle) Thomas, of Hutchinson, KS, Kerry and Larry J. Hittle, Winfield, KS, Justin Burkhart, Houston, TX and Jessica Burkhart, Edmond, OK, sisters: Melba Heintz, of Ponca City, Lenora Veloz of Ponca City, and Lu Ella Otten (Bob) of Souix Falls, SD; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, brother: Kenneth Reinking, and sisters, Irene Kersey Quillen and Eileen Carpenter.

Source: Trout Funeral Home