-
Kienlen
Thelma Noreen (Holcomb) Kienlen was born May 26, 1919 on her parents’ farm southeast of Noble, Okla.and passed away at the age of 101 on October 10, 2020. This quote reminds us of her indomitable spirit, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride!”.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Lewis Kienlen. They married when Thelma was 16 and enjoyed 56 years together. They had but one child, Carol Ann (Kienlen) Williams, who preceded Thelma in death in 2014. Prior to Carol’s passing, Thelma lived a block from Carol near Lake Texoma and depended on her for loving care and to be able to maintain her residence. Hence, Thelma lost her only beloved child and her independence in one fell swoop. Thelma said, “I lost my Carol, but look what she left me.”, in reference to her grandchildren, on whom she depended for the remainder of her life.
Thelma is survived by granddaughter Mary Williams and her husband Burke Anderson of Norman, Okla, their daughter Lindsey Miller and her husband Doug, and their daughter, Audrey, and their son Brett Anderson.
Thelma is also survived by granddaughter Cary Williams and her husband Dr. David Lowry, of Edmond, Okla.; Cary’s son Chase Thomas and his wife Emily. Cary’s daughter Christie Warford is in heaven with Thelma but left her daughter Caylee Boulware, who with her husband Bryce gave Thelma two great, great, great grandsons, Coleton and Kyle.
Also surviving Thelma is granddaughter Shari (Williams) Erickson of Norman, Okla., whose husband Bob passed away; their son Matthew Erickson and fiance Shalla Strider; their daughter Ashlee Breslovsky and husband Marc.
Thelma is also survived by her grandson, William (Bill) Martin Williams of Kingston, Okla. When Carol’s husband Willie Williams passed away, Bill lovingly picked up the mantle and cared for Carol and Thelma, as he lived nearby.
Thelma was raised on a farm southeast of Noble, about a mile from her future husband, Bill. They both attended Noble schools. Thelma and Bill farmed and raised their daughter, Carol, east of Norman. After Carol was raised, Thelma completed Dale Carnegie Business school and began working outside the home, culminating as the canteen manager at Griffin Memorial Hospital. In the 1960s Thelma and Bill acquired property at Lake Texoma, where they loved entertaining family and friends, and eventually lived during their retirement.
Thelma was a lifelong Methodist. When her church at Lake Texoma, Lighthouse UMC, was building a new chapel, Thelma learned that no steeple was in the plans; she donated the money and saw to it that the church had a steeple. Thelma’s daughter Carol was a gifted pianist and served churches over the span of her life as the pianist/ organist. After Carol went to heaven, Thelma lived near Moore, Okla., where she attended New Life UMC. When the church acquired a new organ, Thelma donated toward the acquisition in Carol’s honor. Donations in Thelma’s memory can be made to Lighthouse UMC, 4923 Alberta Creek Road, Kingston, Okla. 73439; or to Moore New Life UMC, 1105 NW 27th St, Moore, Okla. 73160.
For the last four years of her life, Thelma received care at home from Home Instead. In her last months, she was served compassionately by Mercy Hospice. We owe a debt of gratitude for this loving assistance.
Arrangements are being made by McMahan’s Funeral Home in Noble, Okla. Thelma will be interred at the Noble IOOF cemetery where many other family members rest. Cary’s husband, Dr. David Lowry will officiate a private celebration of Thelma’s life for the family. The family thanks the many beloved friends of Thelma who have given a lifetime of love to her and an outpouring of expressions of sympathy and memories to us. Whenever you told Thelma that you loved her, she would reply, “I love you more”. GrandmaThelma, thank you for loving us more.