Thelma R. (McGinness) Peterson Larson

Thelma R. (McGinness) Peterson Larson, 97, of Evansville, died Tuesday, February 14, 2006, at Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born November 1, 1908, in Evansville, Ind., to the late Ed and Ida (Moser) McGinness.

Thelma was a member of The Methodist Temple and the United Methodist Women.

She graduated from Bosse High School in 1927.

Thelma graduated from Deaconess School of Nursing in 1930. She then attended the University of Minnesota for one year of Pediatric Nursing. Thelma did private practice nursing for three years and then joined the teaching staff at Deaconess School of Nursing. She continued working as a volunteer and instructor for the American Red Cross. Thelma lived in Evansville for 23 years, moved to Ft. Wayne, Ind., and then on to Urbana, Ill. Thelma and her husband, Carl, retired to Largo, Fla., in 1968.She kept her nursing license and helped many friends and family. Each place she lived, she volunteered with the Red Cross. After her first husband's death in 1977, she married Henry J. Larson in 1985, residing in Largo. After Henry's death in 1997, Thelma returned to Evansville and resided at Willow Park.

Thelma was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl A. Peterson; her second husband, Henry J. Larson; brothers, Marvin, Lawrence, and Donald McGinness; sister, Alleen McGinness Grafton; nephew, E. Stanley Grafton; and great-nephew, Thomas McGinness.

She is survived by her niece and primary caregiver, Jane Purdie and husband, Jerry; nephew, John McGinness and wife, Sally; nephew, Jim McGinness and wife, Mary and niece, Darlene Grafton all of Evansville; niece, Earlene Stayte and husband, Dan of Brownsburg, Ind.; nephew, Art Larson and wife, Ellen of Seminole, Fla.; niece, Eleanor Ziegler of New Britain, Conn.; nephew, John Larson and wife, Elaine of Burlington, Conn.; and many great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and kindness.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2006, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Reverend Robert Coleman, with burial at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Alexander East Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.