Thelma Blair

Thelma Blair, 80, of Gravette, Arkansas passed away peacefully Sunday, February 4, 2024 at her home.

Thelma was born May 27, 1943 in Holly, Colorado to Charles Ratledge and Beatrice Hoover-Ratledge. On June 15, 1962 in Dallas, Texas, she married the love of her life-Donald Blair. They shared 57 loving, memorable years together until his passing in 2019. She had a caring heart and from this, she tended to her family. She enjoyed sharing a good laugh, crocheting, thrifting, collecting meaningful items, taking care of her animals; but most of all, she cherished her family time.

She is survived by her 2 sons, Donald Blair JR and Darwin Blair; 3 daughters, Idella Johnson, Mary Ellen Coss, and Maria Holloway; 1 brother, Berney Ratledge; 2 sisters, Grace Lindsey and Donna Slaughter; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; her numerous pets; and many other loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Sherry Blanton; siblings, Velma Smith, Charles Ratledge, Nora Ellen Ratledge, Wanda Smith, Margaret Smith, Dale Ratledge, and Jim Ratledge; 2 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be 1:00pm, Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, Arkansas with Pastor Joey Stovall officiating the service. Burial will follow at Butler Creek Cemetery of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas.

The arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.