Thelma R. Genda

Thelma R. ""GG"" Genda, 88, of Frankfort, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017.  She was born in Indianapolis on January 24, 1929 to Lorren and Lucile (Carr) Osting.  She lived most of her youth in Burney and Anderson.  She graduated in 1947 from Anderson High School.  Thelma and Don met after he returned from WWII and were married on June 5, 1949.

They moved to Frankfort in 1950, where Thelma went to work at the A&P Grocery, later Mallory's, Wainscott Sewing Center, and JC Penney's.  She loved selling fabric and patterns especially to mothers and daughters planning a wedding.  But her most rewarding ""job"" was helping Mark at Genda Funeral Home, providing a warm and welcoming face at the front door.

Thelma was a Pink Lady volunteer for several years.  For several years, she was a member of the Friends of the Manor.  Thelma was a member and greeter of St. Matthew United Methodist Church where she had volunteered regularly, helped start the Young Mother's Circle, and was active with XYZ, Christmas Bazars, Vacation Bible School, funeral dinners, and decorating the sanctuary for the holidays.  Spring break trips with Rev. Ray Mills earned her the distinction of Mrs. Peanut Butter for her abundant peanut butter sandwiches.

Thelma sewed for her family even making Becky's wedding dress, Candy's bridesmaid dress, and later, Jill's baptism gown.  Many a chocolate chip waffles after prom.  Thelma and Don instilled in their children and grandchildren a love of camping, traveling, and family gatherings which continues today.  Always wanting a nickname growing up, Thelma was blessed with grandchildren and in turn, the nickname GG for Grandma Genda.

Thelma is survived by her children, Becky (Steve) Pedigo, of Spencer, Candy Genda, of Bloomington, and Mark Genda (companion, Erin), of Frankfort; grandchildren, Jill (John) Emmons, Ryan (Kate) Pedigo, Derrick (Lindsay) Potts, and Spenser Potts; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Alyvia, and Rosie; special nieces and nephews, and a handpicked sister, Susan Miller.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, in November 2016; and siblings; Helen Zieher, Harold Osting, Eleanor Westerfeld, Marcella Benefiel, Mabel Gavel, and Carl Osting.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at the church.  Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort, with Pastor Grant Merrell officiating.  Burial will follow at Bunnell Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Thelma’s name may be made to St. Matthew Preschool Program or Wesley Manor Employee Appreciation Fund.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.