Olive G. Thiele

THIELE, Olive G.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Our dear Olive Greeneltch Thiele passed away quietly on September 2, 2008. Born on January 5, 1912, she leaves a 96 year legacy of life, love and music to her two sons Chuck and John; their wives Nancy and Sharon; her 3 surviving grandchildren, Chuck Thiele Jr., and Tracey Thiele, David Thiele and his wife Nicole Thiele; and four great grandchildren, Starla, Demerie, Brandon & David Thiele. Born in Chicago, IL, Olive resided there and in Minocqua Wisconsin with her beloved husband, John, before moving to Kalamazoo MI after his death in 1983. Ollie, Ol, Aunt Ol, Gram T had a tenacious nature embellished by wonderful grace and a soft soul. Friends, new and old, were charmed by her warmth; she was a person that people simply loved. In her last years, with eye sight fading, she found joy in visits from family and friends and her daily prayers with God. And then of course, there was her music. She truly loved music - sang it, played it and most importantly shared it. As a teenager, she harmonized on WLS radio with the National Barn Dance and later was part of a singing group called the Three Little Maids who traveled with country western star Red Foley. Over the years, the music & lyrics never left her so with perfect pitch and harmony, she sang along with Frank, Tony and the rest of the old timers from the radio. For those who were with her around the holidays, she often led us in Christmas Carols at the piano. To everyone's delight she would always finish the night with her sweet and sassy signature song, "Santa Baby". Please join us for a celebration of Olive's love of life, music & prayer to be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 10:00AM, First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo MI 49007. In lieu of flowers donations can be made on Olive's behalf, to her beloved grandson's Brian Thiele Memorial Fund at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose St. Kalamazoo MI 49007.