Thelma R. Hansen, 77, of Big Sandy, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Big Sandy Medical Center. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Rich Jespersen officiating. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Thelma's family has suggested memorial donations be made in her memory to the Big Sandy Medical Center, Dedman Foundation, or the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Thelma's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
Thelma was born to Ethel and Elmer Lidstone, southeast of Big Sandy on the family farm on August 23, 1946. Her mother delivered her. She was the youngest of six children.
Thelma attended Kabo Country School through 8th grand. She attended Big Sandy High School and Lewistown High School, and later received her GED through Havre Adult Education.
Thelma married her first husband, John Holmes, in 1963. They had two girls together, Cindy Rae and Susan Marie. While living in Havre, Thelma worked for Sherwin Williams, Herberger's, and Owl Card and Gift Shop. She also became a Future Director in sales for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and taught herself how to make homemade cakes for weddings, birthdays and other occasions.
After her divorce from John, Thelma married Kurtis C. Hansen of Big Sandy, where she and her two girls moved in 1980. She worked at Big Sandy's S & J Grocery Store and continued her cake baking and decorating business.
Thelma grew up loving animals and had many pets on the ranch. She especially loved her horses and riding. She loved helping her many friends round up their cows and going on trail rides, which she did well into her later years.
Thelma studied a course in Animal Science and received her Vet Tech Certificate, which proved very beneficial in helping her and many friends with their animals. At age 63, she also began trimming her horses' hooves.
Thelma loved her Lord, Jesus Christ; her husband, Kurt; her daughters; grandchildren; family; and friends. She will be waiting for them in Heaven when Jesus calls them home to join her there.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ethel Lidstone; brother Elmer "Sonny" Lidstone; and sister, Ramona "Monie" Brownson.
Thelma is survived by her husband, Kurtis C. Hansen; daughters, Cindy (Kevin) Kalawsky and Susan Holmes; grandsons, Luke (Caitie) Kalawsky and Noah Kalawsky; three siblings, Don (Betty) Lidstone, Wanda Ulmen, and Bonnie Chapman; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
