Age 75, passed away on April 7, 2011, at her home in Ionia. She was born on December 23, 1935 in Ionia, MI the daughter of Donald and Irene (Haysmer) McPherson. Mrs. Strickling graduated from Ionia High School in 1954. She married Rev. John Strickling on September 17, 1955 in Ionia. She worked as a Telephone Operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Ionia for 7 years and was an employee at Boyce School. She was a member of The Ressurection Life Church. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, love of the Lord, love of her family and her crafts. Thelma lived by one saying "We live simply so other can simply live". She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gene and N.J. McPherson; sisters, Ilene Usler, Wilma Trebian and Leeila Fancett. Surviving are her husband; children, Mark (Carol) Strickling of Lehigh Acres, FL, Matt (Chris) Strickling of Portland and Amy (Bob) Smith of Ionia; grandchildren, Heather, John, Matthew (Stephanie) and Mallory; great grandchildren, Slater, Connor and god daughter, Donna Leukens. A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The family will have a visitation Friday, April 8, 2011 at The Resurrection Life Church in Ionia from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her wishes were to donate to The Resurrection Life Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia. For those desiring online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.