THELMA FRANCIS PENDLETON

MUSCATINE, IA – Thelma Francis Pendleton, 86, passed away on August 1, 2026, at Lutheran Living Senior Campus.

The Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com

Thelma was born on September 23, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina, the daughter of Henry Arthur and Francis Beatrice Wiggins Sharpe. She married George Pendleton in July 1974. He preceded her in death.

Thelma grew up in Charleston and lovingly recalled it as “the best city in the world.” As a teenager, she moved to Indianapolis and became a mother to four daughters, Deb, Sherry, Dawn, and Shannon. While in Indianapolis, she worked as a waitress at McClarney’s Famous Restaurant in the 1960s. It was there that she met George, after he infamously left her a generous $100 tip.

Thelma and George later moved to Muscatine, where she worked as a waitress at the Octagon House for many years. She also cared for her eldest granddaughter, Jenni, where she taught her all about daytime TV gameshows and soap operas. After selling their home, Thelma and George bought an RV and traveled together, enjoying camping and spending winters in Mission, Texas. In the summers, they stayed close to family and explored campgrounds throughout Iowa. They especially loved spending time at Rathbun Lake, Westlake campground near Davenport, and Shady Creek campground near Muscatine, where the grandkids would visit.

After George passed away in 1999, Thelma began helping provide daycare at Chatterbox Kids, retiring after 17 years. She was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Thelma” by the many kids that passed through the daycare, even after her retirement.

Thelma was equal parts sweet and sassy. In her younger years, she was known to be a great baker. She enjoyed shopping and meeting up with friends at the mall. Her grandkids remember her fondly for saying, “The bus leaves at 8:00!” whenever they rode with her to the mall. She did not like to be late for shopping, especially if it involved shoes or handbags. In her later years, she also enjoyed watching Westerns.

Thelma was a member of the Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran Church.

Thelma is survived by her children, Deb Grenell-Kells and husband, Dennis, Sherry Weikert, Dawn Albertson-Hunn and husband, Brian, and Shannon Reynolds and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Jennifer Gales (John), Matt Weikert (Leah), Zack Murdock (Lindsay), Jonathan Brauns (Madison), Jescie Brauns, Joe Bryant, Scott Bryant; bonus grandchildren, Josh Hunn, Jake Hunn, Nick Hunn, Bree Stumbo (Zack), Hannah Wagner, Jessica, and Casey; great grandchildren, Connor, Mason, Brooke, Kaylee, Reese, Kayla, Brooke, Jesse, Samantha, Paige, and Joey; bonus great grandchildren, Colton, Evie, Owen, Braxten, Pheonix, and several great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; parents, Francis and Henry; and sister, Beverly.