PEDERSEN, Thelma (Thel)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ November 9, 2007 Thelma "Thel" Pedersen, 99, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, in Snowflake following a lengthy illness. Thel was born June 18, 1908, in Logan, Utah, to the late Hans Andreas and Mary (Jeppesen) Pedersen. While still young, Thel made receiving a good education one of her greatest priorities and received a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in Logan. While studying at Utah State University, she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Later she received her master's degree in physical therapy from Stanford University. She was always very patriotic and devoted to her country, so, during WWII, Thel enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Signal Corps where she expanded her physical therapy and nursing skills by taking care of those troops wounded in battle. Following the war she was honorably discharged and began a new chapter in her life. Thelma was called by the University of Oklahoma to open the College of Physical Therapy at Oklahoma City. She worked diligently and faithfully at the university from 1954 to 1976 as the head of the Physical Therapy Department and retired as Professor Emeritus. In 1998 the University of Oklahoma chaired her at the age of 90, an accomplishment she truly appreciated the rest of her life. Thelma was also a lifelong member of the Salvation Army and volunteered countless hours of service to them. Thel is survived by her nieces, Sydney (Jack) Bartko of Lakeside, Rose Mary Budge of San Antonio, Texas, Paula Pedersen of Portland, Ore. and Linda (Paul) Davidson of Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as many others who would call her "friend." Graveside services for Thelma will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at Larkin Sunset Memorial Gardens in Sandy, Utah. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens Mortuary in Show Low. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book visit www.owensmortuary.com.