Obituary of Thelma May Strope

Thelma M. Strope (1930 - 2011) Newark Valley: Thelma M. Strope, 81, of Newark Valley, NY went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her family at home on November 11, 2011. Thelma was born February 24, 1930, the daughter of the late Earl & Mary Holmes (Pado/Brown). She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Gerald E. Strope. She is survived by four sons, Stephen E. (Suzanne) Strope, Newark Valley, Glenn E. (Wanda) Strope, Apalachin, David E. (Debra) Strope, Ankeny, Iowa, Paul E. (Karen Massey) Strope, Owego, and Mary O'Donnell, and a daughter, Susan (David) O'Donnell, Newark Valley, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, three brothers and sisters-in-law, E. Fred (Loma) Holmes, Norman (Barb) Holmes, and Ken (Kathy) Brown, and two sisters-in-law Edith (Jake) Rypkema and Bonnie Strope. Thelma graduated from Newark Valley High School in 1948, excelling musically, graduating with high academic honors. Thelma worked for IBM and Tioga County Cooperative Extension. She served as secretary for all four State Representatives of the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches and as secretary of First Baptist Church, Newark Valley for 45 years. Thelma and Gerald were awarded the Empire State Fellowship "Fellowship Faithful Award", the Baptist Bible College "Alumni Service Layman of the Year Award" and the Awana Clubs "Honor of Service Award." Thelma was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Newark Valley for over 65 years. She is noted for her musical ministry, leading the church's Teen Choir, and leading the church Sr. Choir until 2010. Her enthusiasm, expertise and energy molded both these choirs into choral expressions of praise to God. She possessed a deep, abiding love for Christ, her family, friends and church. She was extremely generous and loyal, faithfully serving to direct all to faith and life for Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Newark Valley at 11 a.m., with her son, the Rev. David E. Strope officiating. Committal services will follow in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. The family will receive their friends on Monday, November 14, 2011, from 5-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Newark Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, or the Building Fund of Ankeny Baptist Church, 2842 SW Third Street, Ankeny, Iowa, 50023. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, Endicott. Thelma lived by faith in her glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, who loved her and gave Himself at Calvary for her. She experienced God's grace and lives today in heaven by that grace: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).