Obituary for Thelma Don Gestes (Channel)
Thelma was born in Crescent, Oklahoma on a brisk St. Patrick’s Day in 1935 to Raymond and Zola (Endicott) Channel . Thelma was one of four children. She and her brothers and sister grew up together in Crescent. Since Thelma was raised alongside numerous siblings, she naturally formed a great love for being around family. That is something she carried with her throughout her life.
In 1953 Thelma met Raymond Gestes, and the two married. Shortly after they were wed, the two moved to Oklahoma City. Thelma and Raymond were blessed with two sons, Brent and Tim; and one daughter, Shonda. They raised their family in the Oklahoma City area and worked hard to provide and care for them. Thelma was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She loved her family dearly and always made sure they had what they needed.
God was at the center of Thelma’s life. She always made time for her savior Jesus Christ and her church. She instilled her Christian beliefs in her children as well. She was a devout member of several churches throughout her life where she played piano. Thelma’s church family was very important to her and she made many dear friends through her involvement with the church. Thelma was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She was active with RHS for many years and made some great relationships with the ladies in the group. Thelma and Raymond raised many thoroughbreds over the years and traveled all over the United States racing their horses. Thelma loved the memories she made with Raymond during those years and she loved the horses too. It was a wonderful time in their lives. Raymond was called to be with the Lord in 2012 and Thelma’s family and friends quickly rushed to her side and helped her through the tough times. She and Raymond had been married for 58 years, and although passing the time was hard, she had so many priceless moments to recall and think back on.
Thelma was a loving wife, mother, wonderful grandmother and a trustworthy friend. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched.
Thelma was preceded in death by:
Parents, Raymond and Zola (Endicott) Channel;
Husband, Raymond “Gramps” Gestes;
Sister, Velma Ruth Ramsey;
Brother, Elmer Channel ;
Brother, Frank Channel;
Daughter, Shonda Heldreth;
Son, Tim Gestes;
Son, Brent Gestes;
Step daughter, Jerrie Rae Gestes;
Grandson Jason Duke;
Granddaughters, Christina Hicks and Seeaira Hicks;
And her precious dogs Gidget & Jazzy.
She leaves cherished memories with her:
Sister in Law, Emma Channel;
Sister in law, Georgia Burke;
Son in law, Kirk Heldreth;
Daughters in law, Cathy Gestes and Teresa Dickerson;
Grandchildren:
Danny Lindsey and wife Allison;
Jairan Elmore and husband Derek;
Richard Hicks and wife Michelle;
Brad Heldreth and Kirstine Heldreth;
Lynda Carter;
Great Grandchildren:
Liam Lindsey "Puddin Pie';
Jacobi Elmore;
Jorjia Elmore;
Rochelle Hicks;
Ryan Hicks;
Sarai Hicks;
Brandan Hicks;
Scottlynn Doty.
In 1953 Thelma met Raymond Gestes, and the two married. Shortly after they were wed, the two moved to Oklahoma City. Thelma and Raymond were blessed with two sons, Brent and Tim; and one daughter, Shonda. They raised their family in the Oklahoma City area and worked hard to provide and care for them. Thelma was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She loved her family dearly and always made sure they had what they needed.
God was at the center of Thelma’s life. She always made time for her savior Jesus Christ and her church. She instilled her Christian beliefs in her children as well. She was a devout member of several churches throughout her life where she played piano. Thelma’s church family was very important to her and she made many dear friends through her involvement with the church. Thelma was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She was active with RHS for many years and made some great relationships with the ladies in the group. Thelma and Raymond raised many thoroughbreds over the years and traveled all over the United States racing their horses. Thelma loved the memories she made with Raymond during those years and she loved the horses too. It was a wonderful time in their lives. Raymond was called to be with the Lord in 2012 and Thelma’s family and friends quickly rushed to her side and helped her through the tough times. She and Raymond had been married for 58 years, and although passing the time was hard, she had so many priceless moments to recall and think back on.
Thelma was a loving wife, mother, wonderful grandmother and a trustworthy friend. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched.
Thelma was preceded in death by:
Parents, Raymond and Zola (Endicott) Channel;
Husband, Raymond “Gramps” Gestes;
Sister, Velma Ruth Ramsey;
Brother, Elmer Channel ;
Brother, Frank Channel;
Daughter, Shonda Heldreth;
Son, Tim Gestes;
Son, Brent Gestes;
Step daughter, Jerrie Rae Gestes;
Grandson Jason Duke;
Granddaughters, Christina Hicks and Seeaira Hicks;
And her precious dogs Gidget & Jazzy.
She leaves cherished memories with her:
Sister in Law, Emma Channel;
Sister in law, Georgia Burke;
Son in law, Kirk Heldreth;
Daughters in law, Cathy Gestes and Teresa Dickerson;
Grandchildren:
Danny Lindsey and wife Allison;
Jairan Elmore and husband Derek;
Richard Hicks and wife Michelle;
Brad Heldreth and Kirstine Heldreth;
Lynda Carter;
Great Grandchildren:
Liam Lindsey "Puddin Pie';
Jacobi Elmore;
Jorjia Elmore;
Rochelle Hicks;
Ryan Hicks;
Sarai Hicks;
Brandan Hicks;
Scottlynn Doty.