Thelma Marie Belcher

Thelma Marie (Best) Belcher, 86, of Eminence, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, June 2, 2025, while in the comfort of her home. She was born on New Years Day, 1939 in Cecilia, Ky, to the late Elvy Augustus and Lottie Forrest (Young) Best. Growing up in the rural life of Kentucky, Thelma attended Howe Valley school. At the tender age of 5, tragedy struck the Best family when their home caught fire and her mother, and two siblings sadly perished. Making the northern trek to Indiana, she was introduced to the love of her life, a young handsome Sailor named Frank Belcher. The pair were happily united in marriage on October 28, 1957, and spent 65 years together until his passing in 2022. Moving around in the beginning, Thelma and Frank built their forever home in 1967 just west of Wilbur, and they remained there for the rest of their lives. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Martinsville, Thelma was employed as a cashier at Kroger in Plainfield, ran the books for Frank’s business, worked at the ’76 Truck Stop, and the Canary Motel. Overall, taking care of her family was her true passion and she only worked when she needed a change of scenery. The family of 7 took vacations to Virginia Beach and enjoyed traveling out west to see the majestic sights of Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon. A loving and devoted mother, Thelma, was known to be strict and wasn’t afraid to go old school disciplinarian when the kids needed it. She instilled respect in them, and taught them the joys of cooking, a talent she learned from her mother-in-law. She loved planting and tending to her flowers, as well as planting a vegetable garden every year, canning the fruits of her labor. Stepping into roles she didn’t have to, she raised her granddaughter, Allison, as well as taking anyone and everyone in that was in need. She and Frank enjoyed the company of others, and their house was usually full of people and love. Stubborn in the best way, she was self-titled “the best Belcher”, and she let you know when you crossed the line. Her most recent pleasure was riding along with her daughter and best friend Lisa, while Door Dashing. Protective, fiery, straight forward, giving, quick witted, and caring, Thelma was truly a good soul, and she will be forever missed. Along with her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Frank Belcher; son, Bruce Belcher, and sibling, Charles, James, And Lester Best, Margaret Dailey, and Pauline & Cathleen Best. She leaves behind her children, Andy Belcher (Sandy) of Eminence, Lisa Barnett (David) of Eminence, Keith Belcher (Barb) of Camby, and Stephen Belcher of Eminence; granddaughter, Allison Belcher (Colte Tomlinson) of Wannamaker; along with 21 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, and 23 nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, with a Celebration of Life Funeral Service beginning promptly at 2:00pm. Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate, and Thelma will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Frank, in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by mail to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or online by clicking https://www.stjude.org/, and envelopes will be available during services. To share a favorite story, sign the online guest registry or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

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Thelma Marie Belcher

January 1, 1939 - June 2, 2025