Thelma A. Nations, 80, of Perryville, peacefully passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Jan. 11, 1945, in Longtown to Anton J. and Wilma M. (Unterreiner) Buchheit.
Thelma and Clarence Eugene Nations were married Nov. 28, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple Creek. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage. He survives her in Perryville.
She was a homemaker and a secretary for Fr. Charles Rice at the National Shrine of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. Thelma was a seamstress for Perry County for many decades, making priest vestments, casket palls, formal attire, band uniforms for both high schools and more. She loved sewing and quilting. She made many quilts for the Seminary Picnic. She volunteered for her children's school activities for many years. Thelma loved going on road trips with her husband and spending time with family and friends. In a 2015 statewide contest in Marceline, she was voted Missouri's Best Grandmother.
Thelma was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and volunteer at the National Shrine of the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville.
Survivors include 13 children, Margie (Dale) Persch of Festus, Rev. David Nations C.M. of Wasilla, Alaska, Connie (Donnie) Terbrak of Perryville, Randall Nations, Terry (Pattany) Nations of Perryville, Diane (Stephen) Kirksey of Caseyville, Ill., Teresa (Ronnie) Moll of St. Mary, Rev. Mr. Larry (Cori) Nations of St. Louis, Michael (Sharon) Nations of Blue Springs, Bonnie (Gabriel) Franklin of Nevada, Mary (Eric) Cantu of McGregor, Texas, Cole (Abigail) Nations of Perryville, Reese (Jesus) Puente of Festus; two sisters, her twin Zelma (Elmer) Wibbenmeyer of Uniontown, Mary Jane Cissell of Perryville; brother, James (Marsha) Buchheit of Perryville; 22 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant child, Angel Nations; granddaughter, Harlee Moll; brother-in-law, Robert Cissell.
Visitation took place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Mary’s of the Barrens Catholic Church in Perryville and continued from 10 to 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the church.
Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Mary’s of the Barrens Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev David Nations C.M. officiating and the Rev. Mr. Larry Nations assisting.
Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Friends Foundation of Ste. Genevieve Memorial Hospital.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
