Thelma Williams

Leetonia - Thelma Gano Williams, 82, of the Columbiana area, joined the Lord on Friday, February, 26, 2010 surrounded by her friends, family, and beloved dogs. She was welcomed into heaven at a place called the Rainbow Bridge by her dogs, Hannah, Cleo, MJ, Peanuts and the rest of the pack.

Thelma was born August 16, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She had two great passions in life, her dogs and her family. Over the years, she rescued and cared for several dogs. Although she never met a dog she didn't like, she especially loved Labrador Retrievers and Beagles. We're not sure who ran the house, Thelma, her husband of 62 years, Bob or the dogs.

Thelma was selfless, strong and sincere. Her kind heart was always overflowing with love and laughter. Her warm smile, caring eyes and loving touch will be missed by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ken Williams, who passed away in 1987. Thelma is survived by her husband, Bob Williams; four children, Lynn (Wayne) Wallace, Dale Williams, Keith (Sylvia) Williams, Scott (Linda) Williams; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; her dogs, Abby and Max; and the birds she lovingly fed.

Thelma was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church since 1987 and active in Jude's Dudes.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, (Today) February 27, 2010 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2010 at St. Jude Catholic Church with Father Thomas Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Columbiana Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley's Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, Ohio 44514.