Thelma Lorene Foreman

Thelma Lorene Foreman (Wagner) passed from this earth on December 23, 2019 after a long illness while in the care of Hospice of Valley (Ryan House, Phoenix Arizona) at the age of 82. She was born to Zellah and Bufford Wagner in Ralston Oklahoma on January 12, 1937. The family moved to Arizona during the grips of the depression with the hope of a prosperous new life. They would settle first in Flagstaff where they would reside for two years before relocating to Stanfield. She had wonderful memories of her grade school in Casa Grande and her middle school in Stanfield. The Wagner family lived in the shadow of the 26 Bar Ranch owned & operated by John Wayne. During cotton harvest season, Thelma would get to stay with her Grandparents (Josie & Lee Yarbrough) in Cotton City (Eloy). She would fondly recall how exciting this bustling little town was during her youth. As a teenager she toiled many long days toting a fifty foot sack picking cotton alongside her parents, siblings and other family members.
The Wagner family would later move to the Ak-Chin Indian Community where they became firmly rooted for many years. During this time she took a daily bus ride down a long, bumpy, and unpaved road from Maricopa to commute to Casa Grande Union High School. She was a majorette in both her Junior and Senior years and graduated near the top of her class in 1955. Her first job out of high school was working at the Casa Grande Textile Mill for two years.
Thelma married Joe Foreman and began their family, living on Bogle Farms south of Maricopa for many years before eventually moving into her last residence "In town" on Dallas Smith lane. Thelma and Joe had one daughter; Josie Lee.
Thelma had the great fortune to get a position with the Maricopa Unified School District which would not only change her life for the better, but also countless others during their school careers. Thelma was formerly the school Secretary, but it was widely known that she could tackle any task. Thelma was always the first person to greet new students with kind, caring, reassuring smile. Thelma was always the calming and understanding presence that generations of Maricopa school children (and their parents) needed. Thelma worked for the Maricopa Unified School District for 34 years and also served on the Maricopa Unified School board with great pride. She missed the school after retirement, but was always available to anyone who needed her.
In her retirement years, Thelma was given an unexpected role as a caregiver to her husband, Joe and sister, Donna for nearly a decade. She put herself aside in providing compassionate and loving care to both prior to their passing.
Thelma is preceded in death by her husband and granddaughter: Lauren Ellena. Thelma’s parents and many siblings also precede her in death; Bobbie June, Sonny (Myrna), Jimmy (Paula), Danny (Sue), Donna (Jake) and Mike (Lynda).
Thelma leaves behind her beloved daughter; Josie Lee Argyros and two grandsons; Jon Paul Chernicky and Jacob Chernicky, whom she was so proud &hopeful for their future endeavors, also a son-in-law; Dr. Nicholas J. Argyros, whom she loved dearly. Thelma also leaves behind nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family members. Her friends were many and she had a special place in her heart for each and every one of them. Thelma’s family thanks you all for the outpouring of love and prayers during her long illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley (Ryan House), 110 W Muhammad Ali Way, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Services for Thelma will be held at J. Warren Funeral Home, 525 North Peart Road, Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 on Sunday, January 5, 2020, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm.