Thelma Louise Rich

Thelma Louise Rich, 93, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Anna, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus at 9:25 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2017.

She was born Dec. 4, 1923, to Dugan and Agnes Tripp of rural Cobden, Illinois. Louise was married to Fred Rich on Aug. 24, 1942, in Cape Girardeau. After over 60 years of marriage, Fred passed away Oct. 6, 2003.

Louise is survived by four daughters, Janice Kay Kimmich-Choate of Cape Girardeau, Judy Gail (Ron) Casper of Gordonville, Leta Rose (Blayne) Smith of Cobden and Becky Ellen (John) Oakley of Benton, Kentucky; 10 devoted grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Frank Tripp, Mary Keith, Catherine Dillow, Charles Tripp, Glenn Tripp and Betty Taylor; and her twin great-granddaughters, Iris Mae and Josephine Louise Sheridan.

Louise grew up in a large and loving family on a beautiful farm, where she attended Pleasant Ridge School and Pleasant Ridge Church. She and Fred later farmed and lived on that same farm for almost 50 years before retiring in rural Anna.

At the time of her passing, Louise was the oldest living member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, having been a member since the age of 16.

Louise was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a very hard worker who relished taking care of her home, family and farm. The farm included dairy cows, and she worked alongside first her father and then her husband in the often arduous but rewarding task of farming.

She was active in her church, and her hobbies included gardening, reading and quilting. She was known for making her delicious Christmas candy. She especially enjoyed flower gardening and belonged to the Anna Garden Club. Louise often helped judge quilts at the Union County Fair.

For the last five years of her life, Louise resided with her daughter, Kay Kimmich-Choate of Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call after 11 a.m. until the service hour at 1 p.m. Monday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Darren Casper officiating. Interment will be in Cobden Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Missouri Hospice.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.