Obituary of Thelma Walters

On a cold November night in 1931, a baby girl was born, next to last, into a family of nine children, deep in the Missouri Ozarks, to George Walter Reed and Ora Effie Brawley. The tiny three room “structure” would become her home, school, and fortress for the next 15 years. Here she would learn the necessities of life, faith in God, love of family and friends and the ability to show strength to the world even when she didn’t feel it. Education beyond 8th grade was not free so she assisted the teacher and attended 8th grade twice. At fifteen, “because she had nothing else to do” she married Henry Lewis Walters, first man she had ever dated – a marriage that lasted 53 years until Lewis’ death in 1999. At 16 she had her first child, Frances, at 17 her second baby, Janice came along. The small family moved for a brief time to North Missouri where her youngest daughter Pamela was born. In 1956 lifelong dream came true when they moved to California. Loading up their 1950 Chevy with all the belongings it could hold they headed to Oroville. The first Sunday here they attended Grace Baptist Church and joined, attending there most of their lives. Thelma was a cannery worker at both PCP and Olive Products Co for over 30 years eventually becoming a floor lady. Thelma was the last surviving member of the immediate Reed family. Her memory lives on through her children, Frances Baker, Pam and Gary Seaman of Oroville, Janice and Gordan Elwell of Truckee, 7 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022, 12:00 pm, Grace Baptist Church, 3646 Oro Dam Blvd E., with Graveside Committal, 2:00 pm, Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home (530)534-3877.