Thelma Aileen (Martin) Alden, age 87, passed away on Friday May 29, 2015 at the Presidential Center in Marion after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer’s. Deepest gratitude to everyone (Thena, Lisa, Joe) who voluntarily took turns caring for Thelma, to the Heartland Hospice staff, the Presidential Center staff and Dr. Singh.
Thelma was born August 3, 1927 in Athens Ohio to the late George and Orpha (McCollins) Martin. As a child she began playing the organ and piano at the age of six. She continued a lifelong love of music and was an accomplished singer and musician; playing piano, organ, clarinet, accordion and bass.
She was a graduate of a business college in Columbus OH and Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul Minnesota where she met Paul Alden, the love of her life. They married August 9, 1952 and were blessed with nearly 63 years of marriage and three wonderful children.
Thelma began her career with Athens Water Department and later worked in the accounting department of the Marion, Ohio Clerk of Courts for many years.
Being true to her faith, Thelma served faithfully as a pastor’s wife, Sunday school teacher, treasurer and organist of the United Pentecostal Church of Marion for over 26 years where her husband was the senior pastor. Her son, Phillip, continued Paul and Thelma’s legacy of ministry by accepting the pastor-ship when Paul retired.
Thelma is survived by her sister Lena Hayes; husband Paul Alden; daughter Patricia (Mark) Gefroh; son Phillip (Paula) Alden; grandchildren; Jason (Jessica) Kantola, Cheri Kantola, Khristopher (Melody) Gefroh, Miranda (Jon) Grey, Rachel Alden, and Lisa (Alex) Newby; great-grandchildren; Ryan, Nate, Lana, Luke, Siennalee, Linkin, Faith, Avonlea.
Thelma was met at Heaven’s gates by her parents, Brother Cloyce Martin, Sister Mildred Kirkendall, Daughter Judith Gefroh and Son-in-law Gary Kantola.
Memorial Services celebrating Thelma’s life will be held on Sunday, June 21st from 2-5PM at the Marion Senior Community Center, 2375 Harding Highway, East Marion, OH. Rev. Bernie Gillespie, Officiant.
Please send any condolences or flowers to Paul Alden at 980 Somerlot-Hoffman Road West, Marion, OH 43302. Please send welcomed donations to Heartland Hospice of Marion, Ohio.
The Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Home, a division of Snyder Funeral Homes, is honored to be serving Thelma’s family and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
