Thelma Ihm

After a short illness, Thelma Ihm passed away on May 30, 2011. Thelma Maxine Mead Ihm was born on June 10, 1926 to Harley and Georgia Mead. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother and sister Bonnie and Earl Mead, who passed away in early childhood, and her sister Dorothy Cackley of Oronogo, Missouri. Thelma and Dorothy grew up north of Bushnel, Missouri where, due to their Mother's early passing, they maintained the home and helped their father on the farm. Dorothy focused on farming and Thelma concentrated on the house. Like many women, during World War II, Thelma worked at an airplane plant in Kansas City, Missouri. On November 24, 1945, Thelma married Clarence Ihm, who preceded Thelma in death. Early in their marriage, Thelma and Clarence lived in various places including Wisconsin and Oregon where Clarence sold and worked on cars. In the early 1950's they started Ihm's Motor Company on East Highway 160 in Lamar, Missouri. With their home next door to the car dealership, Thelma served as the bookkeeper for the car business, while also being the homemaker and Mother of their three children. Thelma is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ihm Lucietta and husband Don of Lamar; a son, Harley Ihm and wife Dana of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and daughter-in-law Christy Mayfield of Lamar. Her son, Larry Ihm of Lamar, preceded her in death. Thelma was blessed with five grand-children, Nico Ihm Wood, Chicago, IL; Justin Lucietta, Webb City, MO.; Brandon Ihm, Brighton, MO.; Erin Ihm, Lees Summit, MO.; and Josey Butler, Leesburg, Texas. Also surviving are her great grandchildren, Ciara Ihm and Aiden Wood of Chicago, IL and Lauren Ihm of Brighton, MO. Thelma enjoyed a life of caring for her children, traveling with Clarence and visiting their many customers and friends. She was truly a gift from God. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home.