Thelma L. (Gardner) Swain, 94, formerly of Finly, passed away Monday, April 21, 2014, at Hancock Regional Hospital Hospice Unit, after spending the last two years at Springhurst Health Campus Assisted Living. She was born on Sept. 29, 1919, in Rush County, Ind., as the daughter of Ornie Irvin and Mary Alice (Krammes) Gardner.
She graduated from Moral Township High School in Shelby County in 1937. She married C. Wendell Swain. She was a homemaker for most of her lifetime. She worked for New Palestine High School for five years and also for Wassons Store at Eastgate around two years. Thelma was a member of Carrollton United Methodist Church where she was an organist and pianist for over fifty years. She was also a member of Eastern Star in New Palestine where she was a past matron.
Thelma is survived by her children, Deryl (Linda) Swain of New Palestine, Carmen Hall of Greenfield and Mark Swain of New Palestine; brother, Fred (Kathy) Gardner of Shelbyville; six grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ornie and Mary Gardner; husband, C. Wendell Swain; infant child; sister, Maxine Rinaldi; brothers, Maurice Gardner, Eugene Gardner and George Gardner; son-in-law, Jim Hall; grandchild, Matt Hall and great-grandchild, Miranda Hall.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014, also at the mortuary. Pastor Frank Everett will be officiating. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6919 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
