Thelma Menchyk

Dedicated and beloved wife and mother, Thelma Miller Menchyk, 98, of Butler passed away Dec. 23, 2020, at Concordia of Cabot.

Thelma was first and foremost a dedicated wife and mother, always putting her family and their needs ahead of her own. She was passionately dedicated to her family. When asked what part of her life she wished she could relive, she responded that she would love to relive the time period when all her children were young.

Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony C. Menchyk. Tony died at the age of 52 after only 25 years of marriage. Thelma never remarried or even dated, as she still strongly felt married to her husband.

She was also preceded in death by her precious son, Robert Menchyk.

Thelma was the daughter of Clyde Oscar Miller and Edith Eldred Downing Miller, and grew up and lived most of her life in Meridian.

Her parents preceded her in death as did all of her siblings, Dorothy Miller Gould, Clara Mae Miller List, Clyde Miller, Richard Miller, Mary Lou Miller Stockard and Willis Miller.

She demonstrated amazing strength and fortitude through the many losses she experienced during her lifetime. She had a deep and abiding belief in the goodness of God and His plans for our lives, and she felt a deep gratitude for the beauty of nature and all that God has put on earth for us to enjoy.

Thelma is survived by her children, Thomas and Linda Menchyk of Meridian, Robert’s widow, the Rev. Aleda Arnold Menchyk of Elizabeth, William Menchyk and Judy Harvey of Sarver, James and Jean Menchyk of Butler, and Edith Menchyk of Lewes, Del.

She also treasured her grandchildren, Sam and Jane Menchyk of Pittsburgh, Matthew Menchyk of Meridian, Michael Menchyk and his wife, Lisa McKinsey, of Butler, and Nicolas and Laura Menchyk of Patchogue, N.Y.

She imparted her values of kindness, honesty, hard work, modesty, frugality and gentleness to her children, through the unfailing example of her own life.

Thelma was born April 21, 1922, on a day when snow fell on the peach blossoms. It must have been a lovely day. She grew up in Meridian at a time when outhouses and cooking on wood-burning stoves were the norm, and the milk and butter were kept cool in the spring house.

Her mother, Edith had a large garden, and they kept chickens and pigs. Thelma’s gentle nature emerged early when she became a vegetarian for a time after observing how the Sunday chicken dinner actually came to be.

Later, Thelma decided to direct her kind heartedness toward a career in nursing. She was a registered nurse and received her nurse’s training at the Butler County Memorial Hospital. She excelled there, and became an instructor of medical surgical nursing. Additionally, she received a scholarship to study nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. Her nursing career ended when she married in 1948, and started her family.

Upon the passing of her husband, she returned to the workforce and was employed by the Butler Area School District as a paraprofessional, running the System 80 computerized remedial math and English program, until her retirement.

Following retirement, Thelma enjoyed taking care of her home and family. She continued to live in Meridian, until she suffered a fall in 2010. She then moved to Concordia Assisted Living in Cabot, where she was cared for with unceasing kindness and love.

Thelma was active in St. Conrad Roman Catholic Church. Through the years, she was a member of the Christian Mothers, helped with children’s hour, the fish fries, the CCD program, was a member of the parish council, and especially loved singing in the church choir. She also provided the piano accompaniment for the community based, Women of the Bible cantatas.

MENCHYK — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be private for Thelma Miller Menchyk, who died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Arrangements are under the direction of Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Thelma’s memory to Butler

County Association for the Blind, 322 North Cedar St., Butler, PA 16001, Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001, or Connoquenessing Meals on Wheels, 102 Shannon Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.