EINAN’S FUNERAL HOME Thelma Mary Poniske Mudd , age 85 of Richland, Washington, passed away October 11, 2002 at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, Washington. She was born February 26, 1917 to Thomas A. Poniske and Anna M. Grott in Madison, Illinois.

She married Albert Perry Mudd on August 25, 1937 in Chester, IL. In 1944 They move to Walla Walla, Washington. Albert commuted to work each day to Hanford while she set up housekeeping in a one-room apartment. Later that year they moved to Richland when housing became available. She resided in that family home for 58 years, raising their two children Ronald and Judy and caring for their extended family.

Thelma was a member of Christ the king Parish for 58 years and many of those years; she worked in the school cafeteria there.  She was a member of the Mother Cabrini Guild and the Birthday Club.  For many years, she also donated hours to the church, starting what is now the on-going traditional church Rummage Sale.

Thelma and Albert celebrated their 50th anniversary in August of 1987 by renewing their vows before their family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  After Albert passed away in June of 1993, she continued to be the rock of her family.  The door was never closed when we needed a shoulder to cry on or advice from Thelma.  She was a very loving and caring person, not only to the family but anyone of her many friends.  Her greatest joy was a house full of family and a table full of food.

In recent months and failing health, she was still able to be cheerful and understanding.  Her family and numerous friends  will miss her deeply.  She is survived by her son Ronald Mudd and wife Carole, daughter Judy Sheldon and husband Larry.  Brother Richard Poniske of Chester, Illinois, grandchildren Melisa and Frank Stading, Michael and Brigit Mudd, Lisa and Donald Monk, Tracy and Craig Sutton, Kelley and Kevin Jones and Blaine and Marie Sheldon.  Great grandchildren Josh and Darren Stading, Christy Monk, Brandon, Chelsea and Rachel Foster, Kamilla, Kevin, Makayla, Abigail and Katie Mudd, Tyler Sheldon and “baby” Jones who is due in the Spring.  Thelma also had several nieces and nephews.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, a baby son, her parents and a brother.  Viewing will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Einans Funeral Home in Richland, Washington.  Viewing will also be on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. through out  the  Rosary service,  held at Einans Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at  Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, Washington, with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens to follow.