Thelma Sanchez

No services are planned for Thelma Yvonne Sanchez, 81, of Belton, TX. Mrs. Sanchez died at a Temple hospital on August 16, 2025.

Thelma was born in Elmhurst IL to Julian Serna and Elena Cortez Cassiano, the eldest of three children.

She started as a young, single mother, and with the help of her parents, she developed a fun life for her family; whether picnics at the lake, movies at the drive-in theater or just girls night dancing in the living room with her three daughters.

Thelma was always learning and working to better her life for herself and her family. Her time at MHMR of Temple, TX was her most rewarding job experience, as she was able to obtain her high school diploma and an Associate Degree from Temple College.

She had to kiss a few frogs, but at 69, she finally married her prince, Jessie Sanchez, a friend since her teenage years. Jessie treated her like a queen, and made her last twelve years her happiest.

Mamma loved Jessie, her family, and her plants. She created beautiful needlepoint pieces and was the family plant doctor. Her spanish rice, banana bread, and homemade jellies were always a hit with her friends and family.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and four children. She is survived by her husband, her sister, Mary Petke of IL, daughter, Yvonne M. Fleshman of Belton, and two sons, Ralph Sanchez of San Antonio, and Maximus Wayne of Dallas, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many life-long friends.

Thelma left a legacy of blessed memories and will be missed.