Thelma Young Hansen

THELMA YOUNG HANSEN, 95, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away peacefully during her sleep on Nov. 9, 2017, joining her family already in Heaven. She was born in Jardine Valley, Queensland, Australia, on Jan. 25, 1922, to her parents, Frederick Young and Beatrice McKaig-Young. She was the seventh of eight children, having a very large family both in her home of Australia and the USA. She was preceded in death of her parents and siblings, along with her husband of 57 years, Eugene Bernard Hansen Sr. and three of her six children that passed away too early in life; Elizabeth Anne Winkler (survived by husband Bob), Linda Diane Hansen, and Eugene Bernard Hansen Jr. (survived by wife Janet). Thelma was a strong woman who loved her family and friends immensely. She was thoughtful and kind always putting others needs before her own. She loved to knit and would hand make gifts for her loved ones for those special occasions, she also was a dedicated "bingo" player and loved going to play with her family in tow. Her passion however was bowling she was an avid bowler, hitting all the tournaments. In 1976, she made the All-State Women's bowling team with an average of 181. Along with being a mother of six children, Thelma worked at Sherwood Bowling Center as a nursery childcare provider prior to retiring. Thelma leaves behind her surviving children, Loretta Saunders and husband Chuck of Bloomington, IN; Robert "Bob" Hansen and wife Janie of Ashland City, Tenn.; Jim Hansen and wife Judy of Jacksonville, Ark.; 22 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great-grandchildren; She also leaves a larger family of nieces and nephews in Australia. Graveside services for Thelma Young Hansen was Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, 1:30 p.m., at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family request a donation to be made in her name to either the American Cancer Society for she is a Cancer Survivor or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.