Thelma Ruth Higdon, 85, of Salem, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side. She was born on November 16, 1940, in Louisville, Kentucky to Almon and Florence (Osborn) Perry. She would marry the love of her life, James G. Higdon, on December 3rd, 1955, and they would spend 48 wonderful years together till his passing in 2003.
She is survived by four daughters: Sheila Higdon, Sharon Wooldridge (Bill), Laura Krutsinger, and Karen Putt (Christopher); 8 grandchildren: Jayme Thurmond, Bob McGaughy, Jessica McGaughy, Michael Thompson, Travis Thompson, Eric Krutsinger, Brooke Doyle, and Kaylee Coleman; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: Almon “Junior” Perry (Diane) and Terry Perry; and son-in-law: Bob McGaughy
She was preceded in death by her parents: Almon and Florence Perry; husband: James G. Higdon; 8 siblings; daughter: Sandra McGaughy; son: James Dean Higdon; and son-in-law: Richard Krutsinger
Thelma was very active in her Church, First Church of God of Salem. She enjoyed reading, painting, doing jigsaw puzzles, and sewing clothes and quilts. Thelma loved her family, especially the time that she got to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her Kentucky family.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 21st at 11:00 am with Pastor Scott McKenzie officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Salem and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Facebook page.
