Thelma Nolen McDowell, age 92, was one of a set of twins born on July 18, 1919 near Abernathy, TX to the home of Lula and Charles W. Nolen and passed away early on Thursday morning, May 10, 2012 at her home. Mrs. McDowell grew up near Abernathy. Following her graduation from high school, she attended Draughn's Business College in Lubbock where she studied bookkeeping. After completing her studies, she moved to Kenna where she was employed by Denton Brothers. Thelma became acquainted with W. A. "Dab" McDowell, a local rancher, and the couple was married on August 20, 1939 in Clovis. Thelma lived her entire married life on the ranch in Kenna. Thelma was an active member of the Kenna Community Church, the Elida Woman's Club and the Kenna Ladies' Aid. For many years she oversaw the records for the Kenna Cemetery. Mrs. McDowell and her husband, along with nine other couples were the charter members of the Elida ‘42' Club. Once a month they would gather in one of their homes for dinner, complete with china and crystal and formal dresses, followed by games of ‘42'. Mrs. McDowell along with G. E. Peterson were the last surviving charter members. Mrs. McDowell is survived by her daughter, Jene Evans of Kenna along with a number of nieces and nephews. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Elmer Roy Nolen, another brother, Fay Nolen, and a brother who died as a child; a sister, Vera Jones, her son-in-law, Bob Evans, and by her husband, "Dab," who passed away on May 8, 1992 after more than 52 years of marriage. Funeral services for will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Kenna Community Church with Rev. Michael Rinne officiating. Burial will follow in the Kenna Cemetery with Jeff Bilberry, Trent Bilberry, Buddy Taylor, Brad Odor, Bill Smith and Chad Davis serving as pallbearers. John Celmmons, Charles Good, Bud Bilberry, Keith Ingram, David Stone, Herbert Martin, Billy Frank Good and Scott Reeves will be honorary pallbearers. Visitation for Mrs. McDowell will be at her home south of Kenna at 2551 Railroad Mountain Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenna Ladies' Aid Cemetery Fund, PO Box 41, Kenna, NM 88122.