Thelma Elizabeth Carpenter Kelley, 93, passed away at Shady Nook Care Center on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1928, daughter of William Glenn Carpenter and Luella Clifton Carpenter, the second of four children. Thelma attended Rising Sun schools, graduating in the class of 1947. Thelma married Robert L. Kelley on May 21, 1948, and to this union was born one daughter, Connie Kelley Sharp.

Thelma was a lifelong member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ, being baptized there in 1943. She began working at the early age of 15 at the Ideal Restaurant in Rising Sun. From that job forward, she enjoyed working throughout her life, ending her long career with Schenley Distillery, retiring in 1989. Thelma was an active member of the Phi Beta Si sorority in Rising Sun for many years. Her favorite pastimes were reading, working crossword puzzles, collecting recipe books and drinking her beloved coffee!

Thelma leaves to mourn her death, daughter Connie (Jerry) Sharp, Lawrenceburg, two granddaughters Angela Schwarz, Michelle (Eric) Tufts, great–grandchildren Jakob, Aneesa and Brooklyn Schwarz, Drew and Brady Tufts, all of Greendale Indiana, two nieces, Donna (John) Buckle of Cincinnati Ohio, and Sally Taylor, Lawrenceburg Indiana. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob Kelley, to whom she was married for 72 years at the time of his death, her parents William and Luella Carpenter, brothers Howard Carpenter and Donald Carpenter, and sister Joy Taylor.

A special thanks to the many staff members of Shady Nook, especially Christa and Abigail for their calls and care, and Our Hospice staff for the care given to Thelma at Shady Nook. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held to celebrate the lives of Bob and Thelma on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at the Markland Funeral Home. Public visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s Association. Markland Funeral Home serving the family. www.marklandfuneralhome.com