(MyKeeneNow) – Thelma M. (Ball) Carpenter, 82, life-long resident of Keene, passed away with family by her side on Aug. 9, 2024, following a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease at Keene Center Genesis.

She was born on Jan. 13, 1942, daughter of Clifton F. and Dorothy E. (Wright) Ball. She was raised in Keene and attended local schools.

On October 2, 1959, she married the love of her life, Russell Carpenter. They celebrated 47 years together before his passing on July 24, 2006.

Thelma loved her family with a deep passion and cherished every moment she shared with them. Not only did she dedicate herself to caring for her family, but also provided childcare in her early years for many area children. She enjoyed riding her and Russell’s cherry red Harley motorcycle and woodworking with him to create beautiful doll houses.

Thelma will be dearly missed by her children: Pamela Ericson and her husband Dean of Keene, Diana King and her husband Robert of Swanzey, Wayne Carpenter of Croydon, N.H., and Penny Cooper and her husband Richard of Chesterfield; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Dintino and her husband Victor; brothers Robert Ball and his wife Mary, and John Ball and his wife Mary; a sister-in-law: Eleanor Ball; as well as extended family and friends.

Family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at Keene Center Genesis and Hospice for the dedication to Thelma’s care.

In addition to her parents and loving husband Russell, she was predeceased by her sister Joyce Wixon and her husband Bruce, and her brother, William Ball.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Keene, NH.

Memorial donations are suggested to be made in Thelma M. Carpenter’s name to Home Healthcare and Hospice, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431 (www.HCSServices.org) or to a charity of your choice.

The Foley Funeral Home of Keene is entrusted with Thelma’s care (www.foleyfuneralhome.com)