Thelma Ruth Delano Alexander

Thelma Ruth Delano Alexander, 91 year old Oklahoma Panhandle pioneer, passed away August 24, 2011 at the Denver Hospice in Aurora, Colorado.

Born August 11, 1920 in Texas County, Oklahoma, Thelma Ruth Delano was the fifth Delano child but the first daughter of Eula Lee (Sledge) and John Chancey (J.C.) Delano.

Thelma lived a long and colorful life always keeping her faith and family first. She lived in Littleton, Colorado for many years where she worked for the Littleton Fire Department. She enjoyed many hobbies including needlecrafts, ceramics, quilting, gardening, photography, cooking, reading and hiking. She always shared with others whether it was some of her homegrown vegetables or something wonderful she had baked or quilted. She loved to hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and her awe of God's beauty pushed her into her photography hobby. Always telling stories and listening to other's stories, Thelma authored and published a book, "The Circling Winds" detailing her Delano and Sledge families' wonderful, yet difficult times while growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle during the Dust Bowl and Depression years. She was a proud member of the Daughter's of American Revolution (DAR).

Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as a great friend. She taught by example; to keep the faith, be strong and to never give up. She was always very joyous and celebrated her faith by attending church most every Sunday of her life. She had been an active member of Mission Hills Church. She enjoyed her ministry of reading the Bible to people in the nursing home. She was able to visit several times a week until 2010, when she had to give up driving her own car.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Clyde Delano, Cecil Delano, Merle Delano and Fred Delano, and a two grandchildren.

She is survived by her four children, Loretta Ruth Alexander Gripp Willis and husband Gregg Willis of Lake Livingston, TX; Charles Lavern Alexander and wife, Pamela of Dallas; Marcus Leon Alexander and wife, Roxanna of Edmond, OK; Larry Lee Alexander and wife, Nattayas Puraya of Littleton, CO; two sisters, Lyla Lawler of Farmington, NM and Darlene Clawson of Derby, KS; two brothers, Dale Delano of Edmond, OK and Robert (R.B.) Delano of Oklahoma City, OK. She is also survived by grandchildren, Terri Turek of Aurora, CO; Tammi Buelt of Littleton, CO; Jacki Stuckey of Bailey, CO; Jennifer Lilley of Branson, MO; Marc Alexander, Jr. of Amarillo, TX; Christopher Marcus of Edmond, OK, Chance Edward of Fresno, CA, Crystal Kay of Edmond, OK; Giff Alexander and King Alexander of Littleton, CO; and six great grandchildren.

One of Thelma's last request was that her family "celebrate her promotion to heaven." These celebration services will be Friday morning, September 23th, 11:00 A.M. at Elmhurst Cemetery, Guymon, Oklahoma with Rev. Gary Holdeman, pastor of Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, Guymon, officiating. Services are under the care of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors.

Thelma wrote her below testimony in 1999 and shared it with many.

My Testimony:

From my earliest memories, my parents attended a small United Brethern Church which met in a one-room country school in the Oklahoma Panhandle about five miles from our home. I still have my Cradle-roll certificate from these days. When I was a small child, probably about 10 years of age, and evangelist held a revival meeting at our church and delivered a fire and brimstone sermon on the dangers of going to hell, I answered his invitation, because I certainly did NOT want to go there.

I do not remember the date, but I do remember the incident very well. I was not given much information on how to lead a Christian life. I just knew I felt differently and had made an important decision. Being an avid reader, I decided I would read the Bible through that summer. I'm not sure I finished it and certainly did not understand what I was reading.

My parents used Bible principles, such as not lying, cheating, nor using God's name in vain for disciplining. Nine children kept my parents living a very simple farm-family life. There was never a question of whether or not we went to church, it was a way of life for all of us.

I was married at the beginning of WWII. After my husbands discharge from the navy, and four children later, he had become an avid drinker. WE went through all the usual alcoholic frustrations until our marriage ended in divorce. Life was tough during those days, but the Lord walked with me, even though I made some unwise choices.

Looking back over those years I can see He guided me as was an ever loving Father who led me in the right paths, even though I stumbled and faltered many times. I am pleased to know that my husband did quit drinking a few years before his death, and started going to church again.

After I retired in 1985, I started looking for an indepth Bible study. A dear lady told me about Community Bible Study which I immediately started attending and have continued to do so. Studying His word, has given me peace as I endeavor to do His will and trust in Him. Although, the way is still tough at times, His way is the only way, the truth and the life.

A scripture I have continued to use as a guide for my life is: Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - Thelma D. Alexander, May 22, 1999