Thelma Leona Root, 76, of Traverse City died Fri, Mar 3, at the Munson Medical Center. Thelma was born in Antrim County on Nov 12, 1929, the daughter of Mike and Bernice (Hammond) Keil.
Thelma was raised in the Mancelona area and later left to take a position with the South Redford School District in Redford. From there she moved to Canton, before returning to the Grand Traverse Area six years ago.
Thelma loved to cook and bake, especially for her family and friends at Bay Ridge. She also enjoyed polka dancing, bowling, country music, and listening to Elvis. Thelma was very outgoing and took part in many activities like a CB club, playing lead kazoo in the Bay Ridge band, taking trips to the casino and having Saturday morning coffee with friends.
Thelma is survived by her two sons, Ivan Theodore (Ted) Root of Detroit, and Kenneth Root of Kalkaska; grandson Kenny Root of Wyoming; four granddaughters, Connie Shulter of Lake Ann, CArey Root of Mancelona, Jeri Root of Kalkaska, and Becky Keil of Mancelona; seven great grandchildren; and many loving family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were made with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
