Thelma Louise Eberhard

Our beloved mother, Thelma Louise Eberhard of Ceresco, went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2024, she was 96 years old.

Thelma was born in Rockport, Tennessee on August 31, 1928, to Wesley and Charlzie (Barnes) Brannon. They moved their family to Michigan when she was a young child. Thelma graduated from Marshall High School in 1946, where she loved tap dancing. 

Thelma was a homemaker. She married the love of her life, Donald Eberhard, and raised eight children, they enjoyed 67 years together. 

She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Thelma loved the Lord and raised her family in the church. She was one of the first members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Marshall. 

Thelma loved spending time with her family and going to church. She enjoyed gardening, camping and family cookouts too. Thelma also loved to sing in church; she enjoyed listening to music of the Adopted sons, gospel music, and many more where you would often hear her singing along with the songs. Thelma and Don enjoyed going to Florida and Alabama for the winters.

Earlier in life, Thelma worked for Crow Carton and Keller Meyer Janitorial, cleaning both Sears and JC Penny, so she could have her own money. 

People who knew Thelma, would say she was feisty, stubborn, full of sass and always said “Hey Kid”.

Surviving Thelma are her children, Melinda (Ken) Lake of Des Moines, IA, Mark (Sherry) Eberhard of East Leroy, MI, Carla (Tom) Fleming of Clintwood, VA, Nanette (Bruce) Willbur of Battle Creek, MI, Nina (Mike) Davis of Battle Creek, MI, Gregg Eberhard of Battle Creek, MI and Jill (Lynn) Newsome of Marshall, MI; 29 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Lori (Mark) Waidelich; two brothers, James and Ralph as well as two sisters, Evelyn and Ruth.

A visitation will be held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068 on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and visitation will also be held at Woodland Church – Marshall Campus, 15510 A Drive North, Marshall, MI 49068 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM.

Thelma will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Don, at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

If desired, please consider a contribution in memory of Thelma to Woodland Church – Marshall Campus or Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Dr, Marshall, MI 49068 or on their website at https://oaklawnhospital.org/services/hospice/make-a-memorial-donation-to-hospice/ .

Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.