Thelma I. DeLaney, 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Thelma Idell Pike was born April 14, 1921, in Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Isabelle (Kvale) Pike and the youngest of 10 children. Thelma had many delightful stories of her childhood growing up on the farm. She attended school in Otranto, Iowa, where she graduated in 1939 as salutatorian of her class. On October 30, 1943, Thelma and Eugene J. DeLaney were united in marriage. They made their home in Lyle, Minnesota, where they raised six children and attended the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. For a time, Thelma worked as a telephone operator during their years in Lyle. She was a wonderful mother and enjoyed caring for her home and family. She loved flowers and always had a beautiful garden. Her fabulous apple pies and other baked goodies were favorites among her family members. In 1972, Thelma and Gene moved to Austin and became members of Grace Lutheran Church. Thelma began working at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, retiring at the age of 65 after a 15-year career in the dietary department. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crocheting, making afghans for everyone in her family, as well as many quilts. Thelma often said that words could not express how much she dearly loved her family.

Thelma is survived by her children: Jim DeLaney, Lonnie (Linda) DeLaney, Kathy (Paul) Behn, and Susan (Darryll) Thompson, all of Austin, Minnesota; nine grandchildren: Darla (Dan) Dammen, Pamela (Bob) Lenz, Lyn (Jason) Merritt, Kristen (Zachary) Knox, Kelly Wiese, Natalie (Ben) Bushaw, Andrea Olson (Troy), Ginny (Zachary) Virock, Darcy (John) Corkill; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Isabelle Pike; her husband Gene DeLaney in 1973; a granddaughter Tricia DeLaney; two sons: Gary DeLaney, Steven DeLaney in infancy; all of her siblings: Harold Pike, Guy Pike, Archie Pike, Roy Pike, Dorothy Nabor, Truly Nelson, Alice Olson, Elmo Pike, Lucy Pike, and all their spouses.

Thelma was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Near the end of her life, she said she was just waiting to go to heaven and when He said it was time to go, she would go.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, with Pastor Jeff Forbes officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Union Presbyterian Cemetery, Stacyville, Iowa. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.