Thelma Mae Taylor McPike passed on to her eternal reward on April 12, 2026. She lived her life for this moment. She was born on February 13, 1933, in Reynolds, Indiana, to John and Mabel (Grugel) Taylor. Thelma was a strong Christian, and she was extremely active and devoted to her church family at Judah Church of Christ. Her love of gardening, sewing, fishing, and cooking blessed her family and friends. Visitors were welcome and frequent, and there was a good chance guests would be served a piece of homemade pie or some other baked good. She retired from being a cook at Needmore School. Before she had children, she worked as a secretary at Bedford Foundry & Machine Company. She volunteered throughout her life as a 4-H leader, Red Cross Bloodmobile volunteer, Dunn Memorial Hospital Pink Lady, World Bible School Teacher, and influenced many young people in Sunday School classes and activities outside the classroom. She enjoyed being with others and participated in Senior Bowling League, weekly Euchre games, the Senior Games, and any other fun thing that presented itself.

Thelma was married to Merle McPike on February 17, 1951, and cherished 41 years of marriage until Merle passed away on their anniversary in 1992. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother (Paul Taylor), and a sister (Bertha Jeffries). Surviving are her daughters Sarah (Dennis) Faulkner, Anne (Joe) Lopez, Becky (Scot) Harris; six grandchildren, Grant (Bethany) Harris, Molly (Josh) Hardin, Sam (Victoria) Faulkner, Taylor Lopez, Hannah Faulkner, and A.J. Lopez, as well as a special brother-in-law, beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends she considered family.

The family wants to express our deep gratitude to the staff of Paoli Health & Living and Gentiva Hospice for going above and beyond in their care of our mother and concern shown for us.

Visitation will be held at Day and Carter Mortuary in Bedford on Wednesday, April 15th, from noon to 2:00 PM, with the funeral beginning at 2. Burial will take place at the Judah Church of Christ Cemetery immediately following. As alternatives to flowers, donations may be sent to the Merle McPike Scholarship Fund (915 E Market Ave. Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149, memo: Merle McPike Scholarship), to Spring Mill Bible Camp (2830 IN-60, Mitchell, IN 47446), or to Judah Church of Christ (205 Anderson RD, Bedford, IN 47421). Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.