Thelma N. Fugate, 67, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at Arnold Funeral Home with Pastor Arthur Moore presiding. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation is Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Thelma was born on August 28, 1956, in Hannibal, Missouri, the daughter of Jesse E. and Shirley Joanne (Alls) Miller, Sr. On June 18, 1977 in Mexico, she married Chester Fugate, Jr.

Thelma was a 1974 graduate of Mexico High School. She worked for Hubbell Power Systems, retiring after 42 years.

Mrs. Fugate was a member of the Second Christian Church in New London, where she served as Deaconess.

Thelma enjoyed reading, watching soap operas, especially the "Young and the Restless," and was an avid lifelong prayer warrior for the Lord.

Survivors include her husband, Chester Fugate, Jr. of the home; two sons, Michael (Stephanie) Fugate of Aldie, Virginia, and Marcus (Dawana) Fugate of St. Charles; six grandchildren, Camron Fugate, Dewan Fugate, Danaea Fugate, Maiah Fugate, Christina Fugate and Cassandra Fugate; and three brothers, Jesse (Opal) Miller, Jr. of Independence, Charles "Chuck" (Virlee) Miller of Kansas City, and Ron Miller of Independence.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Joanne Miller; two sisters, Janet Exford and Sheryl Miller; and two nephews, Robert Exford, Jr. and Andre Miller.