Thelma Tague Death & Obituary: Thelma Camille Tague, age 96, of Ontario, California, peacefully passed away on August 2, 2024. Her life was a remarkable journey filled with love, dedication, and resilience, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire all who knew her.
A Life Rooted in Ontario
Born on February 21, 1928, to Harley and Erma Jackson, Thelma began her life in her maternal grandparents’ home on 4th Street, now the site of Chaffey High School. Growing up in Ontario, Thelma’s childhood was marked by her zest for life and a love for her community. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed frequent swims at the Chaffey Plunge and the beaches of Huntington and Laguna with her cousins. Thelma attended Edison Elementary and Ontario Junior High School, graduating from Chaffey High School in 1945. During World War II, she served her community by driving a school bus and working at Graber Olive House and J. Earl Nicholas Insurance during the summer.
A Passion for Teaching
Thelma’s passion for education was evident from an early age. She pursued her dream of teaching with dedication, graduating from Chaffey Junior College in 1947 and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Redlands University in 1949. She continued her studies, obtaining a Master of Education degree from the University of La Verne. It was during her final month at Redlands that Thelma met Gyle Tague, whom she invited to a Backwards Dance—a fateful event that led to a 75-year marriage celebrated just last month.
A Legacy in Education
Thelma’s teaching career spanned an impressive 50 years, beginning in Los Angeles and extending to Riverside and Ontario’s San Antonio Elementary. She was especially beloved at Hawthorne Elementary, where she taught Kindergarten through second grade and was honored as Teacher of the Year for the Ontario-Montclair School District. Known for her innovative approach, Thelma developed a tone bell music program and a collection of holiday poems and songs that are still cherished by colleagues today. Even after her retirement in 1993, Thelma continued her teaching journey as a substitute and later returned to Hawthorne for an additional seven years.
A Life Filled with Love and Adventure
Thelma’s love for animals was evident in her numerous pets, including her California King Snake, Sandy, who lived for 35 years. She was also an enthusiastic participant in a variety of activities, from playing bridge and piano to exploring countless field trips with family and friends. Her adventurous spirit was complemented by her involvement in Ontario First Baptist Church, the PEO, and DKG organizations.
A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Kindness
Thelma is survived by her 100-year-old husband, Gyle Tague; her children, Gayle Young (Steve) of Tampa Bay, Florida, and Eric Tague (Judy) of Carlsbad, California; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harold Jackson.
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Conclusion
Thelma Camille Tague’s life was a shining example of faith, family, and a commitment to education. Her kindness, joy, and dedication will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. In her memory, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Special Olympics or your local Humane Society. Thelma’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all.