Thelma M. Ola

Thelma Mary Ola, was born on October 23, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio to Matthew Ralph and Aletha Fratcher. She spent her childhood bike riding and skating to overcome the effects of polio. Her childhood friends and family affectionately called her "pink." Thelma was widowed from her high school sweetheart James Ray Barnes after 21 years of marriage. She found love again with Eugene Carl Ola with whom she was married for 41 years. Eugene went to heaven on Saturday, February 13, 2016. The deceased loved ones of Thelma Ola have anticipated the heavenly homecoming of a devoted wife, mother, and friend. On Thursday, November 7, 2019, Thelma Ola went home to be with the Lord and rejoined those that she loved beyond measure. Thelma Ola spent many years in Florida with Eugene before his passing. The remainder of her life was spent as a snowbird with her daughter, Diana Allison of Tallmadge, Ohio.

Thelma Ola was a strong, intelligent woman; a trendsetter of her era. She worked for White Motor Trucking Company as a teletype operator/secretary as well as an Administrative Assistant at SMS Title Systems. She enjoyed crocheting and she was an aquatic exercise instructor for ten years within her retirement community. In addition, Thelma was an active member within Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to be independent, competent individuals. Thelma was a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope during trying times. Her wisdom and humor will be greatly missed.

Eugene Carl Ola was born December 8, 1933 to Dorothy Karnowski and Carl George Ola in Cleveland, Ohio. Eugene Ola was a doting, dedicated husband and he loved his family. He was a retired supervisor from White Motor Trucking Company. Eugene was also a hardworking and creative landscape artist. During his retirement, he enjoyed creating floral arrangements under the name of Gene “O” Creations and sold his products at the local flea markets and the Leesburg Christmas House. Without fail, birthday, anniversary, and Christmas cards were sent to the entire family under his systematic organization. Thelma and Eugene enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, watching NASCAR and the Cleveland Browns together. They were inseparable and enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

Thelma and Eugene are survived by their children, Diana Marie Barnes (Robert) Allison of Tallmadge, Ohio, Jeanne (Mark) Keever of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Robert (Mary) Ola of Concord, Ohio, Kenneth (Cheryl) Ola of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, brothers, Marshall David James (Pyong Ae Yu) Ralph of Alpine, California, Duoyne Dale (Sandy) Ralph of Brunswick, Ohio, Walter Schultz, sister Eleanor Caraffi of Parma Heights, Ohio, sisters in law, Chris Ralph, Shirly Barnes and daughter in law Rhonda Pszonowsky.

Along with their parents, they are preceded in death by their children, James Ray Barnes, Jr., Patrick Allen Barnes, Dennis Ola, brothers, David Ralph, Artie A. Barnes, sisters, Patricia Corine Ralph Kordic, Doris Schultz and a brother in law Nicholas.

We thank God for Eugene and Thelma and for all the happy memories we will always cherish. We have the promise that they were greeted by the open arms of Christ as we celebrate their lives.

Memorial Service will be held at Hope Baptist Church, 1822 Highview Ave. Akron, OH 44301 on December 7, 2019 at 11am.

Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park 6265 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Akron Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for Stand Down/ Veterans in Thelma and Eugene’s name.