Obituary of Thelma Louise Antus

     Thelma Louise Antus, 88, of South Bend, previously of Edwardsburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at St. Paul’s Assisted Living Center.

     Thelma was born in Buchanan, Michigan to the late Willard and Lily (West) Paddock, where she grew up alongside her four siblings; Clarence, Eleanor, Betty, and Marian.

     A Niles resident most of her life, Thelma dedicated over thirty-two years of service as a Brandywine High School bus driver, and while bus driver may have been her official title, she was known to many as Grandma.  She took that title seriously and loved those children as if they were her own grandchildren, each year at Christmas time providing each child on her route with their own handmade gift.

     Not shy of any task at hand, Thelma was always known for her commitment and dedication to help those around her. She was an excellent example of true care and compassion. Thelma was an active member of the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where she was always serving others; Thelma sang in the choir for several years, she was always involved with funeral dinners, a long-time member of the Woman’s Guild, and she was famous for her kieflies that were made for fundraisers and numbered over 2000 most years. Thelma’s hobbies included quilting, playing euchre several times a week, including at the Cass County Council on Aging, puzzles, and making people smile. “Grandma” will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and “grandchildren” she gained along the way.

     Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, and also her siblings; Eleanor McCrumb, Betty Stokes, Marian Staples, and Clarence Paddock.

     Surviving Thelma are her children; Joseph (Kathi) Antus and Bob (Barbara) Antus, Rolanda Antus all of Indiana, Patrick (Lisa) Antus of Maryland and Jeannine Antus of New York, fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

     Those wishing to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers in honor of Thelma have been asked to consider The Altar and Rosary Society of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 US 12 East, Edwardsburg, MI  49112, Southern Care Hospice, 1626 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN  46545 or Cass County Council on Aging, 60525 Decatur Rd, Cassopolis, MI 49031.

     A memorial mass will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake, 24832 US 12 E. Edwardsburg, MI  49112.

     Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Thelma’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.