Fennell

Thelma J. Fennell, 83, of Chicora died at 10:52 p.m. Wednesday at the Chicora Medical Center after a long illness.

Born in Butler, Feb. 25, 1924, she was the daughter of Earl M. and Twila B. Hepler Stroup.

She had worked at the Butler Memorial Hospital for several years as a nurses' aide. She then worked at the Butler Credit Bureau for several years and next worked for the Butler County Assistance Office for 10 years until her retirement in 1980.

Mrs. Fennell was a member of the Chicora United Methodist Church, where she had served as church secretary for many years. She also was a member of the Cheerful Workers of the church and was active in the church choir. She was a member of the Chicora Senior Center.

She was well known for her singing and sang for many weddings and various functions.

She enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren.

Surviving are a son, Douglas W. Fennell of Chicora; a daughter, Mrs. Doug (Kim) Hackbarth of Bruin; seven grandchildren; a stepgrandson; and five great-grandchildren. She also is survived by two sisters, Marilyn B. Purdum and Mrs. Benjamin (Alice) Morrow, both of Butler.

Her husband, Ervin W. "Tub" Fennell, whom she married April 20, 1946, died Sept. 7, 1987. She also was preceded in death by a son, a daughter and two brothers.

<B>FENNELL</B> — Friends of Thelma J. Fennell, who died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the <B>STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 111 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Chicora with her church pastor, the Rev. Glea Foster and the Rev. Wade Berkey, pastor of the Bruin United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery, Chicora.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, 203 Central Ave., Chicora, PA 16025.