Obituary of Thelma A. Burcher

Thelma Amelia Rickard Burcher passed away peacefully on December 14, 2018, age 95, surrounded by her family. Thelma was born on December 23rd, 1922 to Augusta Gronwaldt Rickard and John L. Rickard at her family's farm in Cherry Ridge, PA. Thelma was preceded in death by her brother John (Jackie) Rickard and her husband of 60 years, Russell W. Burcher. Thelma is survived by her five children and their families: Jack and Bonnie Beers Burcher of Honesdale, PA and grandson Berry Burcher Gary and Cindy Burcher, of Honesdale, PA Bob and Marsha Burcher of Honesdale, PA and granddaughter Lindsay Edwards and husband Pat and great-grandson Max Edwards, granddaughter Ashley Burcher Martin and great-granddaughter Dana Rae Martin Susan Burcher Klikus and husband Todd of Beach Lake, PA, and granddaughter Amanda Avery and husband Billy Templeton, and great-granddaughter Naomi Templeton and great-grandson Ambrose Templeton, granddaughter Jenna Avery and husband Mike DeRose, and grandson Carson Klikus Terry and Lisa Burcher of Honesdale, PA and grandson Sam Burcher. She is also survived by sister-in-law Ann Burcher, of Florida and nephew Bill (John W.) Rickard and wife Diane of Cherry Ridge, PA as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. [As a child,] Thelma attended the Rickard one-room school in Cherry Ridge. During WWII, she worked at the Loomis Steel Factory for several years operating a drill press for the war effort alongside her cousin, Wanda Rickard. After the war, Thelma attended beautician school. Soon after, she traveled to Florida and married Russell Burcher. They returned to Honesdale and started their family. When her own children were grown she worked for Mary Perricone at Mother Nature's Way Health Food store. Thelma's first priority was always taking care of her family and her home. Being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless joy. She had a passion for gardening and preserving. Thelma and Russell spent many hours antiquing, attending auctions, taking bus trips, day trips, and loved visiting the island of St. Maarten. Thelma loved Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially cooking, baking, writing letters and cards, and spending many hours with her loved ones. She was proud of watching her family grow, got to know all of her great-grandchildren, and enjoyed being a part of their prosperity and happiness. Thelma will be forever remembered as the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother by her family and friends. Always giving and never expecting anything in return other than knowing love. Thelma will be laid to rest alongside Russell in a private burial at the Darling Cemetery in Cherry Ridge, just a short walk from her beloved home. The family would like to thank all of Thelma's caregivers from home care, to Bethany Village Personal Care, Forest City Nursing Home and Hospice of the Sacred Heart. There will be a gathering to celebrate Thelma's life on Saturday, January 5th, 2018 starting at 5:30pm at the Cooperage Project, Main St. Honesdale, PA. Relatives and friends who plan to attend should please email Susan at susanklikus@gmail.com with their intent by January 2nd. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask to please send memorial donations in Thelma's memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home 1228 Main Street Honesdale, Pa 18431