MILFORD - Thelma M. Gillespie, age 93, of Milford, passed away Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at Milford Center. Thelma was born in Milton, daughter of the late Peter F. and Lavina (West) Dutton. She worked in the shipping department for Milford Stitching for many years. Thelma was a member of Christian Tabernacle, in Lincoln, and had been very active in the church. She enjoyed gardening, flower gardening and cooking meals, especially for family gatherings. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Gillespie, in 1990; two brothers, Howard and Willard Dutton; sister,Elsie Ingram; two nieces, Lavina M. Bradley and Audrey Smarr; and a nephew, W. Wood Ingram. She is survived by four nieces, Lorraine Lindale and husband Clifford of Milford, Barbara Bleasing and husband Gary of Michigan, Ruth Ann Mills of Clayton, and Joyce Lynch and husband Paynter, also of Milford; a sister-in-law, Gladys Dutton; and a host of great nieces, great nephews and extended family. A funeral service will be 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, with visitation after 1 p.m. Burial will be in Milford Community Cemetery. Flowers are accepted, or contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.