Thelma Byler

THELMA BYLER Rhoda Thelma Byler, daughter of Frank and Vida Eidson Pitman, was born, April 4, 1913 in Macks Creek, Missouri. She departed this life, Wednesday, November 25, 2009, in her home, Roach, Missouri at the age of ninety-six years, seven months and twenty-one days. On September 9, 1928 in Lebanon, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Joe Willis and to this union, three children were born. Together they shared forty-one years, until his passing on March 8, 1970. She married Ben Byler on April 15, 1971 in Arkansas and he preceded her in death on December 23, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Slim Willis; two grandchildren, Sherry Willis Smith and David Willis; a great-granddaughter, Kimberly Nations; five brothers and three sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Goodloe and companion Ed Maupin of Independence, Missouri; a son, Bobby E. "Pete" Willis and wife Wanita of Macks Creek, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Tommy Nations, Danny Nations, Greg Nations, Tammy Goodloe, Michael Goodloe, Darren Willis, Teresa Conway, Denise Gilmore and Scott Willis; nineteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; a sister, Stella Gann of Elkland, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Thelma was a life-long resident of Camden County. She worked at various jobs before becoming a Welder for Dawson Metal and retired from there. Thelma was saved in March of 1932 and became a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where her membership remained throughout her life. She was a member of the Macks Creek Order of the Eastern Star #20 and recently received her fifty-year pin. Thelma was a talented quilt-maker and made many beautiful quilts throughout her life. She enjoyed time spent sewing and loved cooking. Most of all, she loved time spent with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 28, 2009 in Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial with Eastern Star Rites will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Macks Creek. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Saturday in the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of