Born on a farm near Granger, Texas, she was the eldest of four sisters and grew up speaking Czech at home. She often shared fond memories of learning English when she started school and ensuring her younger sisters were prepared when their time came.

A graduate of Granger High School, she married Leonard “Doc” Bartosh, a local farmer, and together, they raised two children, Billy Bob and Susan, on their family farm.

While managing the demands of farm life, Thelma pursued numerous interests. She wrote for the local Czech newspaper and the Granger News, worked as a census taker, earned her licensed vocal nurse degree and even worked for Sears.

Thelma, a talented seamstress, sewed clothes for herself and her daughter, tended to her garden and remained active in the Brethren Church in Granger.

In 1980, Thelma moved to Temple, Texas, where she began working for SPJST.

From 1987 to 1991, she served as curator at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center. In January 1990, she married Leonard Groppell. They joined First Lutheran Church in Temple and enjoyed their years together until Leonard’s death in 2010.

After his death, Thelma moved to the SPJST Assisted Living facility in Taylor. She embraced this new chapter with joy, appreciating the social connections and joking about no longer needing to cook.

As her health declined, she transitioned to the SPJST Nursing Home, where she spent her final days.

Thelma is remembered by those who knew her for her warm personality, kind words and welcoming smile. She is preceded in death by parents Rudolph and Agnes Simcik and sister Joyce Kaderka.

Her legacy lives on through her children; grandchildren Josh Bartosh, Jim Bob Bartosh, Jordan Rule and Devon Rule; greatgrandchildren Benjamin Bartosh, Hannah Rule and Elijah Rule; and sisters Betty Thompson and Carolyn Hitchcock.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Arrangements are under the direction of Scanio-Harper Funeral Home of Temple, Texas.