Thelma Elizabeth (Carpenter) Kelley

Thelma Elizabeth Carpenter Kelley 93, passed away at Shady Nook Care Center on Sunday, September 11, 2022. She was born on December 10, 1928, daughter of William Glenn Carpenter and Luella Clifton Carpenter, the second of four children. Thelma attended Rising Sun schools, graduating in the class of 1947. Thelma married Robert L. Kelley on May 21, 1948 and to this union was born one daughter, Connie Kelley Sharp. Thelma was a lifelong member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ, being baptized there in 1943. She began working at the early age of 15 at the Ideal Restaurant in Rising Sun. From that job forward, she enjoyed working throughout her life, ending her long career with Schenley Distillery, retiring in 1989. Thelma was an active member of the Phi Beta Si sorority in Rising Sun for many years. Her favorite pastimes were reading, working crossword puzzles, collecting recipe books and drinking her beloved coffee!

Thelma leaves to mourn her death, daughter Connie (Jerry) Sharp, Lawrenceburg, 2 granddaughters Angela Schwarz, Michelle (Eric) Tufts, great grandchildren Jakob, Aneesa and Brooklyn Schwarz, Drew and Brady Tufts, all of Greendale In., two nieces, Donna (John) Buckle of Cincinnati Oh, and Sally Taylor, Lawrenceburg In. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob Kelley, to whom she was married for 72 years at the time of his death, her parents William and Luella Carpenter, brothers Howard Carpenter and Donald Carpenter, and sister Joy Taylor.

 A special thanks to the many staff members of Shady Nook, especially Christa, Abigail, for their calls and care and Our Hospice staff for the care given to Thelma at Shady Nook. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held to celebrate the lives of Bob and Thelma on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Markland Funeral Home. Public visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Funeral will be at 10:30 AM with burial to follow at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s Association.

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