Thelma Koehler Crawford

Thelma, 93, was born the youngest of seven children to Mary Elizabeth Mooney Koehler and John August Koehler of Dell, Arkansas. She was especially proud of her family's German Irish Heritage. With both of her parents passing when she was very young, the seven Koehler Children; Otto, Merron, Rachel, Mildred, Raymond, Herman and Thelma became a unified interdependent family unit. Their parents had left them with a legacy of strong Christian values to guide them all into becoming productive, contributing members to society.

In 1938 she married the love of her life, R.B. Crawford of Dell, Arkansas whom she met in the 5th grade. They were married for 52 years. Together they had two daughters.

Thelma attended Dell and Blytheville Arkansas public schools. She graduated with a B.A. in Education from Arkansas State University. She began teaching elementary school in Arkansas. In 1958, she moved with her husband and girls to Fresno, California. She continued to teach and was a dedicated and beloved elementary teacher, reading specialist and Junior High English teacher for Fresno Unified and Madera School Districts.

Her talents were many. She found great joy in writing poetry, artistic painting, sewing, singing, dramatic reading, planning parties and events. She was a member of the following: Dell Methodist Church, the former St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Fresno and now Palm Avenue Community Church, Fig Garden Women's Club, Fresno Cotton Wives, Community Hospital and La Tienda Guilds.

Thelma was a gracious Southern lady who loved the Lord. We rejoice that she is with Him and has been reunited with so many of her beloved family members.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lucy and Joan; and son-in-law, David Sandlin of Fresno.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 4:00 -7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at Palm Avenue Community Church, 222 E. Fountain Way, on Friday, November 18, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that remembrances be made to Palm Avenue Community Church, 222 E. Fountain Way, Fresno Ca. 93704.