Thelma M. Dean

Thelma M. Dean passed away on May 14, 2021 in Libby, Mont. She was a longtime resident of the Bonners Ferry, Idaho, area.

A viewing will be held from 1-6 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at the Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry.

Thelma was born to William and Emma Gebauer on May 12, 1933, at the family home near Akron, Colo. She was one of nine children, having one sister and seven brothers. Thelma graduated from Rago (Colorado) grade school and Akron (Colorado) High School.

In 1948 she met Oliver R. Dean and, after dating for two years, they were married on Dec. 25, 1950. To this union, two daughters were born, Susan Ann on Sept. 22, 1953, and Cindy Lou on May 19, 1955.

Oliver’s working the timber industry led to many moves. After living in areas of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, they settled in Moyie Springs, Idaho. They bought some timbered land and built their own log home. After Oliver retired they moved to Bonners Ferry, where Thelma worked at the hospital for 10 years.

She was also a member of the United Methodist Church.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver; daughter Cindy; her parents, William and Emma Gebauer, her sister, Helena (Warren); and brothers, Wilferd (Margorie), Robert (Goldie), Alfred (Rose),Chester (KIA 1944), and Charles (Betty).

Thelma is survived by daughter, Susan (Earl); brothers, Harold (Frieda), and Max (Joyce); and sisters-in-law, Marjorie, Frieda, and Betty; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and friends.