Thelma Sunshine Puffenbarger McVey

Thelma Sunshine Puffenbarger McVey Obituary Thelma Sunshine Puffenbarger McVey, a long-time resident of McAllen, TX passed peacefully on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital with her daughter and son by her side. She was 95, yet her passing came as a surprise to all her knew her and occurred as a post-surgery complication. Thelma was the only child born to Roy Tarleton Puffenbarger and Ollie Jane Pitsenburger in Brandywine, West Virginia, on May 14, 1927. She was intelligent, strong, tenacious and independent. She enjoyed nothing more than a good conversation and was genuinely interested in the lives of all she met; she made friends easily and every chance she got. She was an avid and respected bridge player and a friend to all animals, being the human for many dogs, cats, rabbits and others. Thelma grew up on a farm in Sugar Grove, West Virginia surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom she always remained close. She graduated in 1945 from Franklin High School and attended Kaiser Community College, Virginia. At the age of 19, Thelma moved to Washington DC to be on her own. There she worked for the Social Security Administration and 20th Century Fox. She passed the Civil Service Exam on the first try and could type 90 words a minute. She considered her Washington DC years to be an exceptional highlight experience of her life, leading to a lifelong interest in politics and current events. She married George William McVey, a U.S Airforce officer, on May 13, 1953 in Arlington, Virginia. Upon his return from being stationed in Korea for two years, they spent 8 years together at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX where they had two children. As a military spouse, she also served her country. After George retired from the U.S. Air Force, they moved to George’s hometown of McAllen, TX where his parents also resided. During her years in McAllen, Thelma worked for the U.S. Draft Service Board and the USDA Fruit Fly Eradication Program. She sold Avon for fifteen years through which she made many lifelong friends. She supported George in his role as Hidalgo Water District Manager and in his vending machine business, ultimately running the business for a time after his passing in 1986. Thelma was active in numerous McAllen organizations including the Valley Garden Club, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Current Events Club, Book Club, United Methodist Women and several bridge clubs. She was a long time member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, volunteering and serving in many ways. During retirement, Thelma pursued a passion for travel, visiting far off sites including the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, Berlin Wall, sites in Europe and Alaska, and retreats to the Hill Country. She slowed her travels only after she became vision impaired with macular degeneration. However, she continued to live independently for many years, actively playing bridge with the gracious help of friends who always made sure she had a ride. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband George William McVey, her parents Ollie and Roy Puffenbarger, a special companion cat Li’l One and many other furry friends. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Pettit (Jess) of Dallas, and her son George (Chip) McVey (Nancy) of Austin. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Megan Wern (Evan) of Dallas, TX, Preston Pettit of Greenwood, Indiana, and Stephanie McVey of Cedar Park TX, and two great-grandchildren, Aidynn SaBella and Scarlett Redden of Cedar Park, TX. The family gratefully thanks all of Thelma’s medical and care providers during the last couple years, especially Dr. Nelson Kalaf, Dr. Victor Gonzalez, the staffs of IPH Home Health Care, Lincare, South Texas Health System Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers, and McAllen Transitional Care Center. Deep and sincere gratitude is also extended to her caregivers who enabled Thelma to live in her own home: Lucy Mann, Elizabeth Martinez, Tammy Herrera, Beth Lopez, Gina Borrego and Maggie Garcia. The family also appreciates the support from St. Mark United Methodist Church, especially Doris Gobe who visited weekly with food gifts for more than 15 years, Janice Gill, and Lee Ann French (deceased). Finally, we are grateful to all her good friends who supported her. A viewing and family visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022, 6 PM to 8 PM at Kreidler Funeral Home, 314 North 10th Street, McAllen TX. The funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Joe Tognetti at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 301 Pecan Blvd, McAllen TX on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Roselawn Cemetery, 1201 S. Main Street, McAllen TX. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 301 Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501, or to The Texas State Library Talking Books Program, P.O. Box 12516, Austin TX 78711.

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Thelma Sunshine Puffenbarger McVey

August 6, 2022