- Date Of Birth: March 6, 1927
- Date Of Death: December 8, 2021
- State: New Mexico
The Deming School system lost a legend. Thelma L. Phay, age 94, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home. Thelma drove a school bus for nearly 50 years, retiring at age 80. We cannot estimate the number of special bus trips she drove shuttling kids to sporting and academic events, competitions, and field trips, nor are we able to guess the number of children in Luna County that were transported under her vigilant and professional care. Thelma loved her job and the children that were lucky enough to ride her school bus.
Born Thelma Fay in Honor, Michigan on March 6, 1927, she grew up in a town so small it makes Deming a metropolis. She married Charles Phay, often making the joke that she didn’t marry until she met someone that wouldn’t require her to change her last name. They came to Deming to visit relatives and decided to stay. Thelma recently remarked that although she was born and raised in Michigan, she felt Deming was her home. Thelma had a great sense of humor and often teased her family and friends. She had an infectious giggle and a wonderful way of looking at life. She loved to travel, which was helpful considering her occupation. Thelma was an avid sports fan and was overjoyed when her beloved Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016. She lit up the phone lines with that outcome! Thelma Phay loved Christmas, often bragging that her Christmas shopping would be done before August. Gifts and cards were her way of showing us her love. Buying the perfect birthday card was her secret power finding the most hilarious card available is your measure of success.
Thelma had four brothers, Alden, Leroy, Floyd, and Clarence, and two sisters, Marvel and Leola, all deceased. She has two great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren! Fourteen nieces and nephews and their descendants round out the numerous people who love and miss her.
