Thelma Alverna (Miller) Helwig

Thelma Alverna Helwig of Catawissa R.D.#1, passed away, Friday evening, February 4, 2022. She was the wife of James Joseph Helwig, who passed away on October 19, 1986.  

Thelma was born on February 21, 1927, in Roaring Creek Township, a daughter of the late Reuben Stillwagner Miller and Cora Emma (Strausser) Miller. Siblings include Marian Shultz (Deceased), Pauline Bush, Reuben Miller (Deceased), Kenneth Miller (Deceased), Beverly Campbell (Deceased), and Cheryl Evert.

Thelma started primary School in 1932 at the Rock Oak Ridge one room schoolhouse in Roaring Creek Township. Grades 9 and 10 were at nearby Kulp, again in one room with one teacher. Thelma’s junior and senior classes were completed at the Numidia High School.

After high school, Thelma attended Thompson Business College in Harrisburg, graduating on December 11, 1946. Soon after she was employed at the Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg, retiring only to marry James (Jim) Helwig son of Frank and Henrietta Helwig on April 6, 1947

Thelma and Jim enjoyed working together on their farm and raising their three daughters, Kathleen Renae, wife of Wayne George of Berwick, Kerry Sue Carter, of Nanticoke, and Kim Lenae wife of John Barton, of Bloomsburg. They loved and supported their grandchildren Matthew George (Shannon), Joshua George (Jennifer), Minta Krise (Matthew), Jamie Wynder (Angie),Angela Wynder (Ranga), Andrew Barton (Emilee), Todd Barton, Colin Barton. Great grandchildren include Aaron, Maura, and Micah George, Luke, Morgan, and Anna George, Julia and Zachary Krise, Zion Natarajan, Cassandra, Karalee, and Kaitlyn Wynder, Avery and Caleb Barton.

Early in their marriage, Jim vowed to take Thelma on a trip to Europe to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. In 1972 these two farmers embarked on a trip to Madrid, Rome, Florence, Venice, Austria, Brussels, Switzerland, Paris and London.

Thelma held numerous local positions including Minority and also Majority Inspector for Roaring Creek Township, Tax Collector for Roaring Creek Township, Secretary of the Numidia Alumni Association, numerous church roles, charting the 911 addressing system in Roaring Creek Township.

Her passion was as a member of the Roaring Creek Valley Historical Group. Thelma delighted in restoring the memories of local historical events, pastimes and folklore. She worked diligently with the Roaring Creek and the Catawissa Valley Historical groups in compiling the Articles of Incorporation and the Drafting of the By Laws. Southern Columbia High School students interviewed Thelma to learn from her local historical knowledge.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family due to COVID concerns.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her memory may be sent to Kulp United Methodist Church Cemetery Association, RD #1 Catawissa, or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 193 McIntyre Road, Catawissa is handling arrangements.

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