Thelma Mae Romp

ROMP, Thelma Mae, 105, was born on June 22, 1909, to Ernest and Bertha Lankford in Champaign County, Ohio. Thelma was the oldest of four children. One sister, Louise Kobliski, two brothers, Robert and James Lankford, all of whom preceded her in death. Thelma married Edward Eldon Fitzgerald in June of 1929. They had three children, George Andrew Fitzgerald of South Charleston, John Eldon Fitzgerald of Fayetteville and Alice Marie Dixon of Springfield. Thelma was a faithful wife to Edward until his death in June of 1957. She then learned to drive a car and went to work for a farm family, helping to clean, cook and raise their eight week old son until he was in the eighth grade. Brett still calls her grandma. In 1966, she married Percy Arnold Romp. They enjoyed six years together until he had stroke in 1972 and died from complications. Thelma continued to care for her parents until their deaths. She always loved helping others, baking pies and cakes and sharing with everyone. In the late 1970’s, she moved to South Charleston where she remained until she was 102. She then lived for one year with her daughter and son-in-law, William, until the necessary move to Heartland of Springfield. She loved raising vegetables and flowers, loved to cook and was a good seamstress. She played the piano until her fingers didn’t work right anymore. Even at 104, she still loved sitting outside in the sun. She enjoyed attending the Sinking Creek Baptist Church and later the First Baptist Church until she could no longer get there. The last year and a half, she’s resided at heartland of Springfield. Everyone there loved her and her family wishes to thank all of the workers for their kind and loving care. Thelma was a very strong person who fought until the last day, not understanding all that was going on. Finally she is resting from her works and is in the memory of her creator as well as all her family and friends. Besides her three children, she had 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren that she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with. A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 1:30p.m. at INGLING WILLIAMS & LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, with viewing held one hour prior. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.

Thelma Mae Romp

June 22, 1909 - November 28, 2014