Beloved wife, mother and friend, Thelma Ann Bradley, cherished wife of Arden for 65 beautiful years, passed away April 25, 2025, at the age of 87. A devoted mother to three daughters, Thelma’s life was a reflection of grace, compassion, and joyous spirit to all that knew her.
She had a deep love for music, often filling her home with song. Her gardens bloomed as a testament to her care and patience, and her heart for travel took her on countless adventures, both near and far. Among her greatest passions were the multiple mission trips she took with Arden over the years, where she offered her kindness and faith to communities in need.
To know Thelma was to know warmth, laughter, encouragement, and unwavering faith in Christ. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be in the hearts of those she touched.
Thelma was a long-time member of the First Church of God in St. Joseph. She and Arden were co-owners of The Warming Place in St. Joseph, after which she worked for many years as a medical transcriptionist at Lakeland-Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph.
Thelma is survived by her husband Arden; daughters Cami Melnick (Jon), Candi Spitters (Chris), and Cristi Wright (Patrick); eleven grandchildren-Sara (Jonah), Scotty (Jessie) Brian (Acassi), Katie Beth (Connor), Tim, Julia and Cameron; eight great-grandchildren-Lainey, Owen, Clementine, Chloe, Theabelle, Lincoln, Billie and Genevieve; her sister Bettie Arthur, sister Sandra “Sonny” Messick, brother-in-law Norbert “Nub” (Glenda) Bradley; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Myrtle (Hixson) Brady, her brothers Harold (Janet) Brady and Robbie (Debi) Brady.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4th from 2pm-4pm at Starks Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Her life will be celebrated on Sunday, May 18th at 2:00 pm at the First Church of God, St. Joseph Campus, 2627 Niles Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Children of Promise or LOGAN Autism Learning Center. Those wishing to sign Thelma’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Memorial Contributions
CHILDREN OF PROMISE, ANDERSON, INSOUTHWEST MICHIGAN AUTISM CENTER-CHECKS TO LOGAN CENTER-MICHIGAN
Service Details
Visitation
When
May 4th, 2025 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Service
When
May 18th, 2025 2:00pm
Where
First Church of God – St. Joseph
Address
2627 Niles Ave.
St. Joseph , MI 49085
Interment
Where
Spring Run Cemetery
Address
4271 Scottdale Rd.
St. Joseph , MI 49085
Additional Interment Information
Private Burial will take place at a later date