Thelma Estep

Sep 21, 1925 -

Jan 4, 2024

Thelma was born and raised on a farm near Macoun, Saskatchewan. Thelma worked hard on the farm along with her sisters and brother. She loved to share these stories. She worked in Ontario and Quebec. Thelma was an avid softball player and was selected to play on a Montreal team. Thelma worked in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, at the mental hospital. After, she went to Vancouver and worked as a waitress and babysat for her sister Iva. She married Mervin Giles and they had four sons: Algon, Randy, Herbert and Chester. They moved to Seattle, Wash., and eventually to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1965.

Thelma married Don Estep on Dec. 20, 1974. Together they started an automatic transmission shop. Thelma did the bookkeeping and sold parts. They also sold used cars.

Thelma loved to travel, either to tour or to visit family. Many trips were made to Saskatchewan to visit family. She visited 24 states, six provinces and 13 different countries!

Thelma loved to have visitors; all were welcomed in her home and heart. The last years every phone call was something she treasured.

In Thelma's own words: "After going over all the things I have done, I believe having four sons was my biggest accomplishment. And for the places I've been, none are as great as being home with my family."

Thelma is preceded in death by her son, Algon Giles and his wife Julie Giles; her parents; sisters; and brother.

Thelma leaves to mourn three sons and stepdaughter: Randy Giles and Herbert Giles, three children and six grandchildren, both of Eagle River; Chester Giles of Anchorage; grandsons, Jayson and Jesse, and Linda Estep Peterson of Oakmogee, Okla.; a sister; many nieces and nephews; and friends who thought of her as family.

A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Janssen Funeral Home in Eagle River, Alaska.