Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 1/26/2002

Thelma W. Blech

May 6, 1911 - Jan. 23, 2002

Thelma W. Blech, 90, of Lawndale Avenue, Mishawaka, passed away Wednesday, January 23, at Regency Place, South Bend, following an illness. She was born May 6, 1911, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to John and Eva Wilson who preceded her in death. In 1928, she married Charles Smith. In 1964, she then married William Blech in Mishawaka. He died in 1972.

Mrs. Belch was employed by Dodge Reliance Corporation in Mishawaka in inventory control She retired in 1976. She was a charter member of East United Methodist Church, Mishawaka, and was very active in the church women's groups. She was a member of the Dodge Quarter Century Club and during her early years was a private caterer. She enjoyed her life to the fullest and especially enjoyed traveling, her family and her work.

She is survived by her daughter, Roberta (Jerry) Dare of Mishawaka; a son, Raymond (Susan) Smith of Menlo Park, Calif., a stepdaughter, Gene Martin of South Bend. A brother also survives, Arthur (Elizabeth) James of South Bend. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services for Mrs. Belch will be held at 11 a.m. Monday January 28, in the East United Methodist Church. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the East United Methodist Church. Burial will follow the services Monday at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.