Thelma L. Bracy, 97, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Born in Kalida, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Bessie (Wirth) Neill, she married Laurel E. Bracy Sept. 6, 1936 and they settled in Pandora, Ohio.

She was a housewife assisting her husband as needed in the operation of Bracy Clover Farm Grocery Store in Pandora. He preceded her in death in 1967 after which she continued working in the store. She was an avid gardener, enjoying vegetables and flowers--especially orchid culture.

As a member of Pandora United Methodist Church for most of her life she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and worked with United Methodist Women.

Surviving are four children: Ruth Ann Lebrecht (Glenn), Fort Wayne; David Bracy (Sue), Venice Florida; Marylee Long (Bob), Fort Wayne; and Rebecca Kessler, Dayton.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren: David Bracy, Jr., Sarasota, Fla.; Dawn Bracy, Pine Brook, N.J.; Timothy Lebrecht, Allentown, Penna.; Laura Adeli, Aurora, Ill.; Sarah Long, Meudon, France; Anna Long, Knoxville, Tenn.; Michael Kessler, Hillsboro, N.D.; and Bill Kessler, Aurora, Ill.

She had seven great grandchildren: Adam and Amy Lebrecht; Michael and Lucas Adeli; and Hannah, Sophia and Austin Kessler. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Catherine Schumacher, brothers,Wilbur and Rollin Neill, and grandson David Thomas Bracy.

Funeral service is 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Pandora United Methodist Church, Pandora. Rev. Mark Hollinger will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pandora. Visitation will be Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at the church.

Preferred memorials to Pandora United Methodist Church, 108 W. Washington, Pandora, Ohio 45877; or Southern Care Hospice, 4666 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Ind., 46804. Arrangements are by Chiles- Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton.