Obituary of Thelma Joye Cain

Thelma Joye (Butcher) Cain passed away quietly on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Brentwood, California, surrounded by her loving family. She was 97 years old. Thelma was born to parents Jacob Ralph and Emma Louise (Kremer) Butcher in Cedar City, Utah, on November 29, 1925.

She is survived by her daughters Deborah Williams and Kimberly Linn, son-in-law Rod Linn and daughter Valerie Waldon, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thelma was predeceased by her parents, husband Neal Cain, daughter Sandra Maples, sisters Lyla Brothers, Elnora Ruggirello, and brothers Jacob Butcher, Walter Butcher and Lawrence Butcher.

Thelma attended school in Biggs and Gridley, California, graduating from Gridley High School in 1943. She was employed by Pacific Bell during WWII until 1951, when Thelma met and married Neal Cain. They had four daughters: Deborah, Sandra, Kimberly and Valerie. She subsequently began a long and successful career as a clerk with the USDA ASCS offices in Oroville and Stockton, retiring in 1990. Among her hobbies were reading, needlework, bowling, canning, watching all sports and puttering in the garden. Thelma enjoyed travel and spending time with her family, but most important was her unwavering Christian faith. She sang in the church choir and served as treasurer for First Baptist Church in Oroville and continued to attend church regularly in the subsequent cities where she lived.

Funeral services by Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel. Thelma will be laid to rest beside Neal, her husband of 45 years, at Gridley Biggs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, the Red Cross, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.