Thelma Wampler

Thelma Delores Wampler, 91, of Frostburg, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020, at Garrett Memorial Regional Hospital in Oakland.

Born on January 29, 1929, in Frostburg, she was the daughter of the late Harry G. and Emma (Spiker) Lewis. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wampler was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters, Harry Lewis, William Lewis, Ronald Lewis, Warren Lewis, Alice Bucklew, and Emma Jean Thomas. In addition, her special nephew, Sgt. Richard Lewis and niece, Patricia Lewis were awaiting her heavenly arrival.

Thelma spent her life caring for others.  She left high school to help her mother care for her younger siblings. She met the love of her life, “Ervin” Wampler, and married in 1947.  Thelma, her husband, and siblings worked in the family business with her father operating the Frostburg Skating Rink.  She was also employed at the Berkowitz Garment Factory for four years and became a full-time mother in 1957.   One of her proudest moments was receiving her high school diploma during the same year her oldest daughter Kathy, graduated high school.  She then went back to work for the Allegany County Board of Education and enjoyed many years of working in the school cafeteria until her retirement.

Thelma was a life-long member of the Welsh Memorial Baptist Church in Frostburg, where she loved her church family and served her Lord.  Thelma taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir for over 35 years. She was also a member of the Eveready Women’s Mission group.  Her grandchildren and her great- grandchildren were the light of her life.  In recent months, Stella, her great-granddaughter, became the apple of her eye, and she was so excited to have another one on the way in September.  Anyone who entered the Wampler home was accepted and loved.

Surviving are her loving husband of 73 years William Ervin Wampler; daughters, Vicky Resh and husband Bill and Kathy Smith and husband Jim; grandchildren, Jim Smith and wife Lacie, Jason Smith and Courtney, Kelsey Helmstetter and husband Andy, Marysa Shaffer and husband William and Mikayla Warnick and fiancé Kevin; great-grandchildren, Hannah Smith, Alivia Smith, Blake Thomas, Brayden Thomas, Harley Shaffer, Stella Helmstetter and Kennedy Helmstetter; Tyler Resh and Cody Resh; sisters, Betty Edwards and Inez Hetrick; sisters-in-law, Nancy Lewis and Mary Lou Lewis; brother in law, Samuel Thomas,  and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thelma loved and doted on her husband and family deeply and unconditionally. Being a humble woman, she prayed continuously for all of her family to know the Lord and to be able to join her around the table in Heaven one day.

We will miss you, sweet Angel.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. P. Daniel Miller and Dr. Kevin Shannon for their tender care of Thelma, to the ER and ICU staff at Garrett Regional, Dr. Martin, Dr. Goralski, PA Karen and the caring staff who gave their all to sustain and value Thelma’s life.

A private family graveside service will be held at Frostburg Memorial Park.