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Thelma Hakola passed awayTuesday, July 2 after an extended heroic battle with cancer. She was born on April 13, 1928, in Colorado Springs, Colo., the last of 15 children born to John and Myrtle Hitchcock. She married Matt Hakola on March 23, 1946, and they remained best friends and sweethearts throughout their lives.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 13 siblings, a grandson, and a great- great-grandson. She is survived by her children Chip (Chrys) Hakola, Connie Hakola and Shelly Sprugel; three grandchildren: Brian (Dina) Adams, Ashlee Sprugel and Skyler Sprugel; three great-grandchildren: Keaton Adams, Angela Adams, and Matti Sprugel; one great-great-grandson Nate Adams, and her sister Merle Cox as well as many nieces and nephews and two special kids Dugan and Derek Walsburn.

Thelma spent her life living for God. She loved the Lord and wanted all those she loved to know Him too. A member of the Banks Lake Bible Church for over 50 years, Thelma not only ministered to several generations as a Sunday school teacher, she was an active servant of God throughout her community.

Lovingly known as the flower lady by all those who allowed her to raid their gardens for pulpit bouquets, Thelma loved flowers but would prefer donations be made to the Grand Coulee Dam Senior Center.

Memorial services will be Saturday, July 13, at 1 p.m., at Banks Lake Bible Church in Electric City.