Thelma Marie Creason, 96

Thelma was born to Carl and Hattie Ratzat June 30, 1929, on a farm northeast of New Meadows, Idaho. She passed away at the age of 96 in her apartment at North Star Retirement Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Dec. 22, 2025.

She grew up with three brothers: Fred, Walter, and Bob. They all attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until her oldest brother, Fred, began high school, when they moved into town. Hattie and Carl took in August and James, whose mother had died, and Thelma helped take care of them while still in high school.

In her junior year, she started dating Raymond “Lefty” Brandel. They were married in June 1948. One son and three daughters were born into the household. In 1957, they moved to Boise, where they raised their four children. They were divorced in 1969. After attending Boise State College, Thelma worked at the Idaho State Department of Insurance Licensing.

In 1970, Thelma married Don Matthews (now deceased, 1989), whom she had met at Meadows High School, and moved to Cascade, Idaho. During that time, she accepted Christ into her life and began attending church. 

Thelma brought her mom from New Meadows to come live with her in Cascade. She took care of her until her passing in 1993.

In 1995, she married Jack Creason (now deceased, 2014) and moved to Donnelly, Idaho. Together, they traveled many places in the world. After Jack’s passing, Thelma moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she lived at North Star Retirement Center for the remainder of her life.

Thelma is survived by her four children: Dan (Connie) Brandel of Hayden, Idaho; Susan (Larry) Brumbaugh of Gilbert, Ariz.; Coleen Renee (Mike) Williams of Castle Rock, Colo.; and Cindy (Les, now deceased) Powner of Fruit Heights, Utah; brother Bob (Thelda) of Casa Grande, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, three husbands and a son-in-law.

She was known for being a caregiver, for her sense of humor, for being a faithful, loving mother and for living as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She faithfully attended Bible studies and worship services at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Rathdrum, Idaho, as long as she was able. Her family is rejoicing that she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Rathdrum. Interment will be at New Meadows Cemetery at a later date.