Thelma I. Bingaman, 94, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Denver Health and Rehab, where she was a resident for the past 11 years.
She was born in Ephrata, to Levi and Irene M. (Stephan) Gerhard, and was married to Richard W. Bingaman for 35 years, until his passing in 1976.
Thelma was a 1936 graduate of Ephrata High School. She worked at the James H. Ross Store and at Vertie’s, both women’s clothing stores that operated in downtown Ephrata beginning in the early 1930s. She retired from Vertie’s when the store closed in 1986.
She was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, and the Amvets. In her earlier years, she enjoyed traveling with Richard and often reminisced about their trips out West. She also enjoyed shopping, watching game shows, and spending time with her grandchildren. In her later years, she was an avid Boyd’s Bear and snowman collector and enjoyed bingo and scrapbooking.
To think of all the history that Thelma has lived through in her 94 years is fascinating. Although not as mobile, her mind was still clear and her memory flawless.
Thelma is survived by a daughter: Sandra I. Coldren, Denver, wife of William D. Coldren Jr.; a grandson: William D. Coldren III, of Akron; and a granddaughter: Lori S. Coldren, and fiancé Jeff Eichenseer, of Reinholds.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Roy and Paul Gerhard.
Services were held April 18 at Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Thelma’s memory to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster PA 17604-4125.
To send an online condolence, please visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, had charge of the arrangements.
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