Thelma F. Updegrove

87, of Van Wert, died at 7:35 a.m. Friday, September 7, 2007, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

She was born June 25, 1920, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the daughter of the late Elmer A. and Bertha (Harrison) Winters. She married Robert Updegrove, who preceded her in death on October 4, 1975.

Mrs. Updegrove retired as a housemother at The Marsh Foundation and, after graduating from high school in 1938, worked as a waitress at Balyeat's Coffee Shop. For many years, she was also the sacristan at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, where she was a member and also belonged to Rosary Altar Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She was also a member of Church Women United and had worked as a volunteer for the Van Wert County Board of Elections.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara (Bobby) Whittenbarger of Van Wert; a sister, Valrea Myers of Van Wert; one brother, Bill (Nancy) Winters of New Haven, Ind.; and two grandsons, Matthew Whittenbarger of Van Wert and Michael Whittenbarger of Atlanta, Ga.

A daughter, Jane Ann Updegrove; and one brother, Elmer "Jack" Winters, also preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, September 10, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, where a parish vigil service will be held at 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.