Thelma I. Carlson

June 24, 2026

Thelma Isabel Carlson of Longmont, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 97.

Thelma arrived at the Ferne and Oscar Carlson home in Tribune on December 16, 1928. She joined two-year-old Selma and one-year-old Velma. In the following two years both John Omer and Nathalie were born in the Tribune home.

Thelma had a reliable reputation before she turned ten years of age as a babysitter when she was hired to work steady in the motel. Thelma continued with the job during her school years at Greeley County High School in Tribune.

As a fifteen-year-old, Thelma began cooking at Bethphage Mission in Axtell, Nebraska during the summer months. Graduating in 1946, she attended Bethany College in Lindsborg and taught a year in Kansas before spending two full years cooking at Bethphage Mission. Her vacation time allowed her to cook at Mount Carmel near Alexandria, Minnesota. She then attended the Lutheran Bible Institute College (LBI) to confirm her faith.

She moved to Denver, Colorado in the mid 1950’s to study nursing at the Emily Griffith School. She became certified as a practical nurse. As a practical nurse, she assisted in the Denver General Hospital operating room. There she became interested in X-Ray and trained to be a technician. Upon graduating in 1960 she accepted a position at Longmont United Hospital where she grew from the only X-Ray technician “always on call” to assisting with the launch of the X-Ray department. She worked for 34 years at Longmont United before retiring.

After retirement, Thelma volunteered at Longmont United Day Surgery, Homestead Respite Care, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Daycare. She was an active member at Our Savior’s and was ready to assist in any needed activity such as creating flower arrangements, making altar banners, leading ladies society, teaching Sunday school, Bible study and other numerous church activities.

Thelma had a big heart for those individuals who were handicapped and had difficulties. She was a quiet, gentle, and uplifting spirit. She always thought about others’ needs before her own, and was extremely grateful to those who gave her support throughout her life.

She will be missed immensely. Thelma leaves behind her sister Velma Carlson and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Ferne and Oscar Carlson; siblings Selma Ray (Russell), John Omer Carlson (Marla), Nathalie Monger (Don), and her nephew Forrest Ray.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Foothills Gardens of Memory, 14241 N 107th St, Longmont, CO 80504. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado.