The immediate family as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends were able to visit her and show their love before God called her home.
Thelma Jean Fosheim was born November 24, 1926, at Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Peter and Viola (Hand) Fosheim. She grew up in the Deep Creek area and attended school at the Little Eagle School. She graduated from Midland High School in 1944 and attended Black Hills Teachers College. She taught school at the Ottumwa and Hayes schools. She married Matthew V. “Mike” Schofield on March 1, 1946, at Midland, where they farmed and ranched in the Midland area. They moved to Midland when Mike accepted the town marshal job in the mid 1950’s and following his election as Haakon County Sheriff in 1962, the couple and their family moved to Philip where Thelma Jean would spend the rest of her life.
The most important thing to Thelma Jean was her family and her unconditional love for them. Her love was tempered with patience and discipline and her eight children learned about being responsible and dependable, and the importance of the work ethic and keeping your word. Her Norwegian heritage was strong and whatever life threw at her was met with a calm and resilient toughness. One of her favorite sayings was, “Well, things could always be worse.” She always seemed to know that her strong faith in God and family would carry her through anything that life had to offer. The family history book she wrote in 1988, “To Die For Old Glory”, expressed her patriotism for her country and its ideals and her thanks to her husband Mike and his brothers who served in WWII. Her passing leads to a reunion with the love of her life, her husband Mike of 39 years who passed away in 1985.
Thelma Jean will always be remembered for her Norwegian hospitality at her home in Philip where the coffee pot was always on and visitors were soon looking at a plate of cookies or some other treat on the table. She always had a genuine interest and honest concern for how things were going with her kids and their families and she was truly a person who always treated people the way she wanted to be treated. Family and friends will miss her quiet Norwegian ways, her ready smile, her subtle sense of humor, and her willingness to always help if needed. Thelma Jean didn’t have much for hobbies, except maybe gardening, cooking, and baking because her family was everything. In her early 70’s, however, she decided to take piano lessons and held numerous impromptu concerts for her family, especially the grandkids. She also liked to read and one could often find her clicking away at the table on her electric typewriter. Christmas time was the perfect season for her to throw together a big batch of her homemade party mix and distribute containers and tins to family and friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. Always gracious, always polite, always loving. Thelma Jean Schofield will be missed the most by her children, her brothers and sisters, and all who knew her. Heaven is a better place today.
Thelma Jean is survived by her children Nancy (Tom) Russell of Black Hawk, Patricia Freeman of Philip, Matt Schofield (Carol), Michael (Janice) Schofield, Wade Schofield, Jason (Lisa) Schofield, all of Philip, Brad (Debbie) Schofield of Gillette, Wyoming, and Nina (Brent) Richardson of Sheldon, North Dakota; twenty-eight grandchildren; twenty six great-grandchildren; three brothers Peter (Sylvia) Fosheim of Pierre, Joe Fosheim of Midland, and Vic (Carol) Fosheim of Midland; five sisters Pauline Schofield of Midland, Edith Schofield of Evansville, Wyoming, Judy (George) Gerig of Sturgis, Tina (Orlyn) Haug of Aurora, Colorado, and Ruth (Lou) Gassner of Berthoud, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Thelma Jean was preceded in death by her husband Matthew V. “Mike” Schofield; her parents; four brothers Richard, Roger, Johnny and George Fosheim; and a great-granddaughter Samantha Marshall.
Visitation was held 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Monday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, May 16, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
John Gillaspie - Vocalist
“In The Garden”
“Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace”
USHERS
Terry Schofield - Monte Schofield
PALLBEARERS
Jeff Russell - Nick Schofield
Eric Schofield - Erick Hoag
Morgan Russell - Sawyer Richardson
Forrest Schofield
HONORARY PALLBEAERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
To all of Aunt Jean's family. There was never a time when I stopped to visit that Aunt Jean didn't have a cup of coffee, cookies & a newspaper clipping of something one of the kids did to give to me. She loved her family more than anything and I enjoyed all the family history she could tell about. Many a photo album had been gone through. There are so many memories made in a lifetime. Hold them close. We will miss her sweet, soft voice. Prayers are with you all.
~ Tena & Kash Slovek
Box 862 Philip, SD (5/10/2011)
Aunt Jean was an amazing sweet lady who will be greatly missed! I always loved listening to her stories about family, and growing up. She took great pride in her family and loved to share stories. You will be greatly missed! Love, Crystal, Levi, Johnathon and Justin
~ Crystal Neuharth
Fort Pierre, SD (5/10/2011)
I was saddened to read of the passing of an incredible woman. Jean's kindness and generosity were offered unconditionally to anyone in need. Sincere sympathy to all of you.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Philip, SD (5/10/2011)
Please know that you are in my thoughts today. I feel truly blessed to have known such a beautiful woman.
~ Janet (Dean) Theye
Rapid City (5/10/2011)
Our hearts are heavy for your great loss. Jean led an admirable, fulfilling life and left behind a wonderful legacy. She will be greatly missed.
~ Jim & Jan Hewitt
Philip, SD (5/10/2011)
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Jean's passing. She was a wonderful lady and such an important part of the Schofield family. I have many happy childhood memories of being at Aunt Jean's. Finally she is with Uncle Mike. What a celebration they must be having in Heaven!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Letting go is so hard to do. God Bless you all. With all our love,
Lisa, Steve, and Blaire Jonas
~ Lisa Jonas
Pierre, SD (5/10/2011)
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Schofield family. Gma Jean will be greatly missed. I remember going over there as a child with Amy several times to play after school. Please know that "if God brought you to it, he will get you through it" Sending hugs your way. Take care and God Bless.
~ Crystal (Swift) Bruinsma
Mitchell, SD (5/10/2011)
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Jean was such a wonderful, sweet, caring lady and I know she will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead.
--Miles, Erin, Connor and Mackenzie Hovland
~ Erin Hovland
Milesville, SD (5/10/2011)
My heart is saddened today to hear of the loss of Aunt Jean. She was such a kind and caring woman, so quiet in her ways. She and Uncle Mike opened their home to many of us while attending high school there. Many good times. I know the sadness you are feeling in your hearts today. I know it won't soon pass; hold dear all your precious memories. I know I will.
Rita & family
~ Rita & Monte Anker
Murdo (5/10/2011)
We were very sad to hear of the loss of dear cousin, Thelma Jean. She was a very special lady to all who knew her and when we visited her at her home a year or two ago we had a good visit and even some music together. It was always a treat to visit at Easter when she was able to attend. Our sympathy to the entire family
~ Floyd & Lily Lund
23788 Golden Hills Dr. Rapid City 57702 (5/10/2011)
WOW. What can you say about such a special lady? I am so grateful to have gotten to know her. I enjoyed her weekly piano lessons we had until her fingers just couldn't do it anymore. We will miss her, but she is in a better place and not suffering and will be happy in heaven. Remember all the memories, there will be ALOT. God Bless YOU....Kenny and Nancy
~ Kenny and Nancy Neville
Philip (5/10/2011)
Philip has truely lost one of the sweetest, kindest people you will ever meet. One of my fondest memories of Jean is when Jeff & I got married & we had sent her a thank you card & she sent us a thank you card for the nicely written thank you we had sent her!! We really got a kick out of that! Cherish all of your memories of her & God be with you all.
~ Jeff & Lori Konst & family
Philip (5/10/2011)
So Sorry to hear of Gma Jean's passing. I remember going over there as a child with the Schofield's. What an amazing lady. She always welcomed you with a nice warm smile. God Bless and ALL of you will be in my thoughts and Prayers.....Darcy Swift
~ Darcy Swift
Watertown, SD (5/10/2011)
We were so sorry to hear about Thelma Jean. She was such a special lady. She was a God sent to our family when our mom was in the nursing home in Philip. She will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Love Betty
~ Betty and Darwin Haerer
Wall (5/10/2011)
It's so sad when someone so gracious and loving has to leave us. Always remember, she touched so many lives with her kindness and gentle example. I loved visiting with her when she dropped the "Philip Socials" off at The Pioneer Review. And, every once in a while there was a "sweet treat!" God Bless You All!
~ Jerald and Andrea Cook
Cottonwood, SD (5/10/2011)
Natasha, Keith & girls, You have our deepest sympathy. You will always have your great memories.
~ Doris & Fred Eisenbraun
Creighton, SD 57790 (5/10/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Riley and Tara will always remember the special treats she would have for them on Halloween. Take Care!
Love,
Jake, April, Riley & Tara
~ Jake & April Schofield
Philip, SD (5/10/2011)
Our deepest sympathy to the Schofield families in the loss of Thelma Jean. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (5/10/2011)
My husband, Charles, always looked forward to her wonderful letters. I know her family will miss her greatly, as will all her friends. My condolences and prayers are with the family at this time. God Bless and comfort you all.
~ Ida Hand
Desert Shores, CA (5/10/2011)
To the loving family of Jean: We are saddened to hear of Jean's passing. She was an incredible lady and will be missed so much. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike and Shar
~ Mike and Shar Moses
Philip (5/10/2011)
We are so sorry to hear of the death of your family matriarch. She was a very beautiful and gracious lady. May God be with you at this lonely time. Prayers from us. Gene and Audrey Jones
~ Gene & Audrey Jones
Box 83, Midland, SD (5/10/2011)
Schofield family, Through the letters our mothers have exchanged over many many Christmases we feel like we know you all personally. Mom was so happy to finally meet your mom in person when she visited in 1987 and then again when we visited her in 2006. I remember both moms wishing they could have met and visited while our dads were still alive. Please accept our deepest sympathy. May God comfort you and give you peace. The Viebrock family
~ Teresa Viebrock
viebroct@lincoln.k12.mo.us (5/10/2011)
We are all sorry to learn of your loss. The staff of Stulken, Petersen, Lingle, Walti and Jones, LLP.
~ David Lingle
dave@pierrecpas.com (5/10/2011)
Patsy, I am sorry to hear about your mom. Though I wasn't at your house a lot during high school I always remember her as a friendly, caring lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your siblings, and children.
~ Becky (Vos)
Cheyenne, WY (5/10/2011)
Im sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thelma was a sweetie. I love all you guys. If you need anything just let me know.
~ JJ Walker
dirtyj416@yahoo.com (5/10/2011)
Schofield family, so sorry about your mom, I didn't realize she had been ill. Jean will be missed so much but keep her memory close as there are bound to be lots of good ones.
~ Buster & Nancy Peterson
Kadoka (5/10/2011)
Patsy God just brought another angel home she will be missed but know she will never be far from all of her family. When you feel a light feather of breeze on your cheek know it is a kiss from mom. My prayers are with all of you.
~ Beverly Mc
Belle Fourche,SD (5/10/2011)
We are sorry to hear of our dear neighbor passing! She was a great and kind lady and will be missed! God be with you in your time of sorrow! Joe and Elaine.
~ Joe Millage
Philip (5/10/2011)
To all of Jean's Family~
You have our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. She was a sweet lady-even though our first encounter was due to a fender-bender! I enjoyed our conversation that day...and thought of her often afterwards. The matriarchs of the family are difficult to lose, and impossible to forget. Prayers to all of you for peaceful hearts, filled with warm and happy memories of someone so very special!
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville (5/10/2011)
Grandma Jean has always been a constant in my life. Even on her last days she left telling us that she loved us. I am so grateful for the relationship I had with her. She taught me how to cook, how to two-step.. She taught me sincerity, compassion, and how to forgive because she showed all those things to me more than once. To say that I miss her is an understatement but I don't want to be selfish. A lot of her still lives in all of her children and grandchildren. Now is her time for peace and rest from her labor, for all of her good deeds will follow her. She is outrageously loved.
~ Rebecca Freeman
Philip SD (5/10/2011)
I haven't seen Aunt Jean in years, but i remember her well. I remember how sweet she always was when I would go there with my mom and dad. She always hugged us and told us how nice it was to see us and yes the coffee and cookies were always on. She was the sweetest. She will be truely missed. God bless all of you and the many many memories that will help you through this difficult time.
~ Camille (Kelly) Hinrickson
sioux falls (5/10/2011)
Sometimes, when someone so special passes, you are at a loss for words to convey your heartache but still, your happiness for her because of the joy she must now be experiencing in the arms of Jesus and surrounded by loved ones. Sometimes, there are no words to describe someone so kindhearted, so selfless, so giving, so good. Sometimes, you just have to sit back and reflect on what an impact she had on your life because of her innate goodness, her beautiful spirit, her consummate kindess and her ever ready willingness to love you. Gone but never forgotten.
~ Jeanie Waara
P.O. Box 369 Philip (5/10/2011)
Sorry for your loss of a loved one,my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time in your lives. She is in a better place now.
~ Curtis Bitting
P.O. Box 242 Philip,SD (5/10/2011)
Am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Schofield's passing. While I didn't know her personally, I know many of her family, having graduated w/ Junie and Ruthie (and knew lot of those Midland Foshiems/Schofields) and worked w/ Brad here in Gillette; I know she was a very important person in your family(ies). Praying for lots of GREAT memories as you visit w/ family and friends during this difficult time. May God be especially close to you at this time. In Christ, Beryl (Addison) Geer
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717 (5/10/2011)
So Sorry for your loss. It is hard to loose someone that dear. I am sure she is smiling down and will find a way to help each and everyone of her dear family to ease your sadness.
She is in a much better place now, please take comfort in that thought.
~ Theresa Pekron
Westminster, CO (5/10/2011)
So sorry to learn of the loss of such a grand lady; she loved everyone. She made everyone feel special with her unlimited kindness and concern for others. She did a fantastic job of raising her children except it was not a job to her--it was love. She can be proud of all her children who are all great citizens and the gandchildren are following them. What a legacy for her and Mike--can't get much better. She left a void that will not be filled except with great memories and traditions. God loved her and God loves all of you unconditionally. Yes, she has met Mike in Heaven. That is a fact. God bless all of you and comfort you in your enormous loss. God is smiling now that one of His children is home again. Joyce (Vollmer) Williamson
~ Joyce (Vollmer) Williamson
Rapid City, SD (5/10/2011)
Nancy, am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore
Fort Pierre SD (5/10/2011)
I know the angels were there with Aunt Jean the evening she quietly closed her eyes and slipped away leaving behind all the sickness and pain she so bravely endured day after day. God knew she had more than fulfilled her purpose here on earth and called her home. We can be sure that the first one in line to greet her and help her through Heaven's doors was Uncle Mike with his big, bright grin. I can only imagine their reunion after all these years and the peace and happiness Aunt Jean must be experiencing now. She will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (5/10/2011)
So many remember the coffee and treats. Yes, I think Jean's kitchen was the local coffee shop. The kitchen was small but it was always warm and cozy. With the coffee pot brewing, it also smelled so good. It was a homey atmosphere and it felt good just being there. This is what I think of every time I brew my own coffee. She taught us just by example. Many of us could never be Aunt Jean but I would like to think that we are following in her footsteps at least somewhat. She brought much love during her time with us and that will live on in all of those that she touched.
~ Terri Fjellheim
12008 Wolf Ln, Hot Springs, SD 57747 (5/10/2011)
Our sympathies to all of Thelma Jean's family. She was a very sweet lady and a very good neighbor to our Ravellette family for many, many years. Belle sends her sympathies also.
~ Don and Jolene Haynes
Philip (5/10/2011)
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Jean has gone home to a welcoming beyond anything we could ever imagine. Love you all.....
~ Amy Schofield Reese
Casper, Wyoming (5/10/2011)
God blessed you with her and now she is blessed being with Him.
God be with you.
~ Pr. Frezil
Philip (5/10/2011)
Your memories of your mom will never die - memories of those days of laughter, plates of cookies and family gatherings. My thoughts are with you in your loss. May God bless your family.
~ Eileen Stolley
Kadoka (5/10/2011)
Sorry to hear about the loss of Jean she was a wonderful woman. She never had a bad word to say about anybody she will be dearly missed in Philip it will never be the same. God Bless the family!!!
~ Bonnie Moses
Nebraska (5/10/2011)
So sorry I couldnt be there today with you all. My sympathy goes to each and everyone of you. Your mother was such a beautiful person. There are so many memories to chereish. Just the other day my oldest was telling me about how he stepped into a ant hill and how he remebers the closet filled with toys. The love your mother had for othere people was amazing.
God bless you all! I loved your mom dearly.
~ Jamie McKinney
Madison (5/10/2011)
I know Jean's passing will leave a big hole in the hearts of those who loved her. I have often thought over the last 16 years "I could sure use a cup of her coffee and a little peace her presence always gave me.
If we all fill the holes with the wonderful memories she gave us, we can always keep her near. May God give you peace.
~ Donna Hart Lockhart
Garland, TX (5/10/2011)