Thelma Hildman

Thelma Mae Hildman, 87, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka following a short illness. She was born March 8, 1919 in Overbrook, Kansas, the daughter of Delbert Edwin and Louella Marybelle "Belle" (Firestone) Wadsworth. Her family moved to Topeka during the first year of her life.

Thelma graduated from Seaman High School in 1937 and attended Strickler's Business School. Prior to her marriage she worked at Security Benefit Association.

She married Marion Ralph Hildman on June 8, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1977. She was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Floyd Wadsworth, and two sisters, Agnes Priddy and Florence Burket.

Thelma was a devoted wife, mother, caregiver,and matriarch of her extended family. She was a member of Rochester Community Church of the Brethren for most of her life. She served as a volunteer at the Topeka State Hospital for eight years.

Survivors include her son, Stephen L. Hildman, of Topeka, KS and Seattle, WA; her daughter, Carol S. Burris and her husband Michael, Burlington, KS; five nieces and nephews, Patti Tabbert and her husband Don, Diane Taylor and her husband LeRoy, Gary Priddy and his wife Beth, Marilyn Burket, all of Topeka, and Edward Burket, Liverpool, PA; nine great nieces and nephews, four great-great nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Hildman will lie in state after 12:00 noon Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions may be given to Rochester Community Church of the Brethren, 3201 NW Rochester Road, Topeka, KS 66617 or to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cr., Topeka, KS 66606 or to Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66608. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.