Thelma Eileen Orr

A child of the “Great Depression”, she was raised in a family of 6 children. Her parents were George B. Crellin, a newspaper printer and Adeline Delozier Crellin, housewife. After high school graduation, Thelma moved to Yankton, S.D. with family members and found work. It was at a dance in Bow Valley, Neb. That she met a handsome young man, Burch Orr, who was to become her husband a year later in Omaha, Neb.

In 1940, Thelma and Burch moved to Calif. And it was in Long Beach that their only child, Gloria, was born into a large family of Orrs, Nielsons and Ehles. After the war, the family moved to So. Sioux City, Neb. and opened the “Coffee Cup Café”. A few years later they opened one of the first “A&W Drive-in’s”.

1962 found them in Santa Paula, Calif., which was their final move. Thelma opened a children’s clothing store named “Girlsville”. Burch and Thelma were involved in the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Al Maleka Shrine. They were also involved in many civic activities.

Burch passed away in 1982 and Thelma moved to Ventura to be near family. Now Thelma leaves behind her daughter Gloria and husband Roger Larson; 3 dearly loved grandchildren: Dan and wife Ann Larson of Ventura; Dana Larson of San Mateo; and Doug Larson of San Leandro. There are also 7 great grandchildren: Shelaine Larson Warren, John D. Larson, Nic Larson, Kirsten Wilson, Emma Larson and Miranda & Alexandra Taylor. Thelma also leaves sisters: Jean Claxton and Wanda Okamato.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Jan. 12, 2012 at the First Christian Church, 38 Teloma, Dr. in Ventura, CA 93003

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Dr. Ventura, CA 93003. Phone 805-642-8134. You may leave tributes at www.charlescarrollfuneralhome.com.