Thelma Thompson Wattenbarger, age 96, passed away Monday, March 29, 2010.

A native and lifelong resident of the Rogers Creek Community in McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late John P. and Charlotte Elizabeth Holland Thompson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Orival "C.O." Wattenbarger in 1968; one brother, Augusta Thompson; and five sisters, Lillie Mae Thompson, Cora D. Thompson, Mattie Thompson Brady, Stella Thompson, and Eria Thompson Roberts.

She was a loving, devoted Christian Mother, homemaker, and the oldest member of Rogers Creek Baptist Church, where she enjoyed serving faithfully for 83 years. She was able to enjoy an active life and a love of gardening, which allowed her to share what she grew with family and friends until the last two years of her life.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Bernard Patterson of Englewood; one sister-in-law, Dixie Wattenbarger Runyon; two step-grandchildren; Mark Patterson and Miriam Cota; two nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services will be 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 31, 2010 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Cameron and Rev. Claude Irons officiating.

She will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Rogers Creek Cemetery on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 11:00 A.M.

Pallbearers will be Paul Wade, Don Schultz, David Small, Larry McKenzie, Skip Kwiram, Mark Patterson, Steve Cota, and Herbert Dake.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6-8 P.M. before the service at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home.