Thelma Durst

Thelma Louise Smith Durst passed away August 16, 2013, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Born in North Bloomfield, Ohio, on August 26, 1917, she was the second of four children born to Clyda Lazenby and Virgil B. Smith. She graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1936. On December 30, 1939, she married Theodore (Dode) Durst, who passed away in June of 2004, and resided most of her life in Champion, Ohio. She was a member of Champion Christian Church and enjoyed quilting with the Ladies Aide. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, J. Russell Smith, and two sisters, Jean Zarick and Betty Bright, her daughter-in -law, Dee Durst, and granddaughter, Beth Lynn Durst.

She is survived by a son, David R. Durst of, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and a daughter, Jane Durst (Skip) Mershon of Clermont, Fl. and four grandchildren, Lisa Durst (Ryan) Downard, Sarah Durst (Kevin) Melvin, Michael Mershon (Alicia) and Amy Mershon (Bill) Plummer. She also had eight great-grandchildren, Zachary and J.T. Downard, Robyn and Reese Melvin, Jack and Annie Mershon and Brady and Parker Plummer.


Thelma retired from Champion Schools in 1985 where she was a cook at the high school for 25 years. She moved to Cardinal Village Retirement Center in 2004. She loved surrounding herself with her family pictures, cardinals, and especially flowers.

Her words of advice were quietly spoken:
"You'll never know it a hundred years from today."
"Always put more flour in your cookies and chill the dough."
"Make sure your underwear is clean and be sure to wear your shimmy shirt."

Graveside service will be heldTuesday 11:00 AM at the chapel at the Champion Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Thelma's name to the Champion Christian Church, 151 Center St. W., Warren, OH 44481.