Thelma E. Miller, 97, of Sagamore Hills, formerly of Akron, left us for her heavenly home on June 1, 2021. She grew up in the Akron area and attended Kenmore High School. Thelma was a member of the Greatest Generation and worked building F4U Corsair fighter planes for the U.S. Navy at the Goodyear Aircraft Corp. during WWII.  She later became a stay-at-home mom for two foster children and later for her two kids. At age 50, she lost her husband unexpectedly and lived as a widow for the next 40+ years. She learned to drive and went back to work until retirement.  Thelma loved camping, dancing, jigsaw puzzling, and card playing.  She also loved gospel music and was known to sing along with little prompting.  Having grown up in the Great Depression, she knew the value of a dollar and was frugal her whole life. But, she was generous with her love, especially for her family.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lillian, and her husband Merle. She is survived by her son Dennis (Barbara) of Loveland, CO and daughter Jan Hoffman (Gary) of Sagamore Hills, OH. Also surviving her are six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Thelma was the matriarch of the family and the last survivor of her generation.

Calling hours will be at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, on Thursday, June 10th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and again on Friday, June 11th at 9:30 am, preceding her celebration of life at 10:00 am.  Graveside services will follow at  Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2580 Romig Rd., Akron. Donations in honor of Thelma may be made to Rhizo Kids of Ohio through its website (https://rhizokidsohio.com). Flowers in memory of Thelma may be sent through Prentice's floral store.