Thelma Rose Hobbs, age 85 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at her residence following an extended illness and a long, well-lived life.  She was born October 7, 1932 in Elwood, the daughter of Russell J. and Helen (Brown) Stickler.  Thelma married the love of her life, Laymond L. Hobbs on March 1, 1952 and they shared over 66 years of marriage together.  She was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church in Elwood.  Thelma worked for E.M.K.A. Corporation in production for several years until she retired, and formerly worked for Essex Wire Company in Elwood for 30 years.  She previously worked for canning factories in the area including Red Gold.  Thelma had a passion for helping others and worked with Help Room mission at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood for many years.  She also traveled to the Appalachia area for a memorable mission trip.  Thelma enjoyed working with flowers, cooking for her family, and camping at Hill Lake for many years.  She especially loved to decorate her yard with accent pieces all year long.  Thelma was an avid collector of all types of dolls, and had a large collection in her home.  She loved all holiday gatherings with her family, and she loved to decorate for all the holiday seasons.  More than anything, Thelma was loved and was devoted to her family.

Thelma's family includes her husband of 66 years, Laymond L. Hobbs of Elwood; 3 children, Vicki (husband Kevin) Clark of Elwood, Michael Hobbs of Elwood, and Mark (wife Teresa) Hobbs of Elwood; 7 siblings, Bob Stickler of Elwood, Shirley Gibson of Kokomo, John Stickler of Peru, Dick Stickler of Lafayette, Kay Robison of Elwood, Gene (wife Mary Lou) Stickler of Elwood, and Norma Stickler of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, Niki (husband Whitson), Crystal (husband Bill), Marcus, Mike, and Tony; 9 great-grandchildren, Kehara, Janice, Shane, Jasmin, Gage, Maley, Caleb, Chelsea, and Kalion; and several nieces and nephews.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charlie Stickler; sister, Mary Cline; grandson, Shane Tyner; and infant sister, Ruth Ellen Stickler.

A funeral service celebrating Thelma's life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Chaplain Kurt Ennis of Intrepid Hospice, officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.