Thelma Dean (Netherton) Schabowski

                Thelma Dean (Netherton) Schabowski, 93, of Westville, IL, passed away March 18th, 2022, at 8:50am, at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living.

                Thelma was born on November 2nd, 1928, in Kentucky, to Volen and Bracie Netherton. She met the love of her life, George Valentine Schabowski, and they were married on April 2nd, 1948, in Kentucky, accompanied by their best friends, Liz and Aug Lesko.

                She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, George Valentine Schabowski, Sr.; her son, George (Butch) Valentine Schabowski, Jr.; parents, Volen and Bracie Netherton; step great-grandson, Dalton Trott; sisters, Creola Kuyrkendall and Ina Olds; brother, Lloyd Netherton; niece, Julie Netherton; nephew, Andrew Netherton; and close friends, Liz and Aug Lesko, and Harry and Josephine Sydes.

                Thelma is survived by her granddaughter, Jami Lynn Schabowski of Westville; great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Lynn Alexis Schabowski of Westville; step granddaughters Jessica Barnes and Stacey Barnes of Kokomo; step great grandchildren, Braeton, Korryn, Khaymon, and Brennan; step great great-grandson Braeton; daughter-in-law, Trish Schabowski; sister-in-law, Betty; nieces, Beverly, Pam, Kim, Cheryl, and Connie; nephew, Cass; special neighbors, Jacci, Berl, and Lorraine; and many other beloved family members, friends, and neighbors.

                Thelma worked over the years as a phone operator, lunchroom cook at McMillan school, and at Millikin Dry Cleaners before later retiring and being able to travel the world with her husband George. She and George were able to vacation all over the US and Europe, to so many different destinations; at one time they even had a large conversion van that they took off in for weeks at a time to enjoy the country. She took several beautiful cruises with her husband, brother Lloyd (Betty), and sister Ina (Don). Thelma loved to play the slots and her and George could be found traveling to Peoria, Las Vegas, Reno, and Biloxi, so that they could try their luck out.

She and her great-granddaughter Mackenzie loved spending time together. She would sit out on the patio and watch Kenzie climb in her favorite magnolia tree, jump in the leaves George had just raked up, or jumping on her trampoline. She also loved watching George and Kenzie tend to their garden, while she enjoyed some kool-aid under the shade of the tree. On hot summer days, you could always find Thelma and Mackenzie out on the patio or in the hammock, with big, juicy pieces of watermelon.

 She is described by many as an extremely sweet and special person. Thelma always loved to have company stop by and was always ready to offer up a drink and something to eat, and to sit and have long conversations and laughs. She especially loved when all the grandkids and great grandkids came together for visits or when family from out of town would stop by to see her. Thelma was also fond of music, with her favorites being George Jones and Conway Twitty. She was always good for a laugh when she would start moving, singing, and clapping along to the music; and she was always walking around the house humming wherever she went.  Growing up, the church was a big part of her life and that’s where she found her love for gospel music, as well. 

As many know, Thelma suffered from Alzheimer’s/Dementia for several years, and although she will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those surviving, she is now at peace and once again with her husband and son. In the fight against this awful disease, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, that you make a donation in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association-Fight Against Alzheimer’s and Dementia at act.alz.org.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Thelma on Saturday March 26th, 2022, from 1-4pm at Fireside Event Space, located at 400 Lyons Rd, Westville, IL, 61883. The family asks that you please join them at that time to celebrate Thelma’s life, enjoy pictures and lunch, and share stories of her. Her granddaughter Jami may be contacted for any info at 217-806-9889. Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

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