Bond, Thelma
Thelma Bond, 91, beloved mother, was called to her eternal resting place on April 30, 2017. She entered this world on March 21, 1926 in Talihane, OK, born to Ruben and Myrtle Crane. Thelma was one of eight children. She grew up in Tularosa, NM and graduated from high school there. She wanted to attend college, and her brother, Paul, offered to take her to Las Cruces, on the back of his motorcycle. He told her she could get a job and attend college just like he was going to do. He tried to convince her, and she wanted to go, but was too afraid to ride on the back of his motorcycle. Instead, she went to California by bus to contribute to the war effort. She worked in a factory and helped to build airplanes-Thelma became Rosie the Riveter.
She always mentioned that she would have liked to become a Home Economics teacher. She was a fantastic cook, and the family always bragged about her dinners and desserts. Holidays were a special treat and her sisters, Vi (deceased) and Betty shared their culinary touches to help make meals that kept everyone at the table for seconds and just sitting to visit long after.
She met F. L. Bond (Roy) while working at the Federal Building as a computer technician in Albuquerque, NM. Thelma and Roy married in 1969. Roy’s position in the Forest Service required a move to Washington, D.C., and they subsequently moved several times. They traveled to many foreign countries as part of Roy’s assignments and continued to travel after Roy retired. They truly were world travelers. Thelma lost Roy in 2004, but continued her love of traveling to visit children, grandchildren, and attend conferences with the Daughters of the Nile. She was a very active member of that organization, and they held a special place in her heart. She was also a long-standing member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.
She played Bridge, Kings on the Corner, gardened, created many artistic projects, enjoyed long walks, going out to dinner, and managing her own finances. She was an avid sports fan and never missed the Dallas Cowboys on TV. She and Roy had season tickets for Lobo basketball.
She enjoyed exceptional health, was very independent, and she still drove after her ninetieth birthday. Thelma always liked to keep up with the latest things. She purchased a computer over 20 years ago to set up an email account, and she used a cell phone for years.
Thelma is survived by two sisters, Betty Kopecky and Joan Montgomery; and a brother, Curtis Crane. Thelma’s children include daughter, Linda Gundiler and husband, Ibrahim; son, Jerry Brown and wife, Shelly; son, William Bond and wife, Mary and son, Robert Bond and wife, Rita. Grandchildren include Steven Brown and Stephanie (Brown) Lyons, Sarah and Cole Miller, Justin Koch, Wendy (Bond) Foster, Karen Bond, and Allison (Bond) Thenhaus. Her great-grandchildren include Jackson Lyons, Reagan Thenhaus, Henry and Isaac Foster, and Cody and Caitlin Bond.
St. Peter will throw open the Pearly Gates for you, Thelma, recognizing a good and faithful servant. So, sit down, kick off your shoes, and prop up your feet. Have a scotch while you wait for us.
"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 11:00 at FRENCH–Wyoming. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505.823.9400 www.frenchfunerals.com