Thelma A. Toby, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, left her earthly body on the 20th of March at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Thelma, lovingly referred to by some as “Belma”, passed in peace surrounded by close family and those whom she undoubtedly bragged to you about, if you ever had the absolute honor of meeting her.A long-time resident of Benton, KY, Thelma was born on March 2nd of 1936 in Evarts, KY, to Elmer and Dolores (Baker) Adkins, both of Harlan County, KY. It was on this day that God decided that earth could be a little kinder, a little more nurturing, a little more generous, and a lot more willing to greet you with a contagious smile and a sincere embrace. Knowingly, He managed to accomplish all of this by gifting us Thelma.
Thelma was united in holy matrimony to Donald Toby on March 31, 1955. Having spent 42 of their almost 64 years together in Marshall County, if you ever had lunch at Lacey’s Family Restaurant, you surely crossed paths with Don and “Tink”, a name which only he could get away with. Thelma loved her church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Benton, KY, where the fellowship that she enjoyed and the relationships that she built extended far beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Thelma lived out her days as a true servant-leader with the ability to always make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. If she ever met you, you had a special place in her heart. There’s also a good chance she had your name, address, and birthday scribbled down in her address book so that she wouldn’t forget to send you a card on your big day.
Thelma’s life, love, and legacy continue on through her husband: Don Toby of Benton, KY; sons, Ken Toby and spouse Deanne of Gilbertsville, KY, and Troy Toby of Salem, KY; three grand kids, Kate Morefield and spouse Wesley of Benton, KY, Sam Toby of Omaha, NE, and Leigh Toby of Murray, KY; three great grandchildren, Van Reed, Sophie Donohoo, and McCall Anderson; sisters, Marjorie Wood of Gilbertsville, KY, and Magdaline Underhill of Glasgow, KY; a host of devoted family members, cousins, and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her younger brother, the late Harold Adkins of Louisville, KY.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Thelma touched are invited to Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th St., Benton, KY, from 11am – 2pm on Saturday, March 23rd , to celebrate the life of Thelma. Yes, her nails will be done.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Thelma’s name to Cumberland River Homes Inc. in Salem, Kentucky, at the following address:
111 North Hayden Avenue
Salem, KY 42078