Thelma Ridinger

Thelma Ridinger, 99, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Friday, December 26, 2014, at Henry County Health Center. Visitation will begin after 1:00 p.m., on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 30th, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Jim Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials have been established to Henry County Animal Rescue Organization. On line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com Born May 12, 1915, in Jefferson County, IA, Thelma Bernice was the daughter of Garfield and Hilma Sodergren Messer. She spent her formative years in Jefferson County and graduated from Lockridge High School in 1933. On July 1, 1966, she married Leonard Ridinger in Fairfield, IA. The couple moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1975. Leonard preceded her in death in November of 1997. Thelma worked for Universal in Fairfield for six years and Emerson Electric for five years. Later, she was employed by Metromail. For nine years prior to retiring in 1981, Thelma worked as an inspector for Motorola. Thelma loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed embroidery, making quilts, growing flowers, and reading. Thelma was an avid crossword puzzle solver and known for her beautiful pressing and ironing. She was of the Lutheran faith. Family members surviving include a son, Robert (Judy) Hendricks of Tulsa, OK; a daughter, Phyllis Moore of Klamth, OR; a step-son, Larry (Sylvia) Ridinger of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two daughters-in-law, Rose Hendricks of Fairfield, IA, and Patricia Hendricks of Salem, IA; and one step- daughter-in-law, Judy Ridinger of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a special nephew, Warren Messer. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; two sons, Roxie Hendricks and Richard Hendricks; two step-sons, Emmett Ridinger and John Ridinger; two sisters, Violet Tallman and Blanche Nelson; five brothers, Clifford, Paul, Wayne, Russell, and Howard Messer; a son-in-law, Robert Moore; and a step-grandson, Shawn Lee Hendricks.