Thelma Fanestil
Thelma E. Fanestil, 99, Madison, died June 5 at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.
The daughter of Charles C. and Martha F. (Owens) Emley, she was born March 23, 1904, in Canon City, Colo. She taught elementary school in Colorado before she was married.
She was united in marriage to Rudolph S. Fanestil June 3, 1925, in Canon City. Her husband was ordained a Disciples of Christ minister on March 12, 1933. From that time she prided herself in being a full active partner in his ministry of 40 years. "These are the principle churches we serve," she would say of Pawnee Rock, Radium, Marion, Hoisington, Newton, Groveland, and Burrton.
The Rev. Fanestil died at their home in Hutchinson Feb. 24, 1973. She also was preceded in death by one son, Richard Eugene Fanestil who died May 31, 2002, in Anaconda, Mont.; her parents; one brother; and six sisters.
She moved from Hutchinson to Emporia in 1975 and lived there until moving to Madison in 1998.
She was a member of the First Christian Church in Emporia and Priscilla Sisters in Emporia.
She is survived by one son, Stan Fanestil, Madison; six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church in Madison.
