Thelma McKown, 94, of Franklin, died at her home Thursday night, September 8, 2016 following a period of declining health. 

                She was born on September 10, 1921 to the late Harry Lewis Morrison and Sadie (Whitling) Morrison.  She grew up in Knox, and lived in Venango county most of her life. 

                Thelma was a licensed practical nurse.  She worked at Polk Center, Garmong's Convalescent Home, the Oil City Hospital, and private duty care.

                Her greatest joy was to attend church, most recently at Mount Carmel of Franklin, where she loved to sing the old hymns and fellowship with other believers.  Now her greatest joy and desire in her last days is complete, as she worships her Lord Jesus in Heaven with her mom and dad. 

                She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Joseph E. Miller and William M. McKown. 

                Thelma is survived by her daughter, Lois Jean Roberts and her husband Ed of Oil City; her sons include James C. Miller of Oil City, Gerald L. Miller and his wife Brigitte Egner of Titusville, and Kenneth E. Miller and his wife Sherry of Seneca.  She is also survived by her grandchildren:  Kim (Curt) Bish, Don "Toby" Myers, Jami (Lorin) DeGroat, Mike (Jennifer) Miller, Joe (Marci) Miller, Jeffrey (Jill) Miller, Tiffany Miller, Christine (Mike) Bencomo, Mark (Kena) Miller, Tim (Kelly) Miller, Scott Miller, Melissa (Ed) Hartle, Jeremiah (Ashley) Miller, Jimmy Snyder; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

                Also surviving are her nieces and nephews:  Marvin, John, Norman, Charles, and Jerry Norcross, Rachel Roxberry, Leora Cogswell, Anita Proper, and special family friend, Jeannie Murray. 

                In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Theola and Dale Norcross, her daughter, Anna Swartzfager, and daughter-in-law, Pamela Miller. 

                The family wishes to thank her many loving caregivers, Kelly, Nola, Lori, Chris, Krystal, Scott, and the Visiting Nurses Association, who made her life comfortable during her last months. 

                At her request, there will be no viewing or funeral service. 

                A graveside committal service will be held Monday (Sept. 12th) at 1 p.m. at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens in Cranberry, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, William McKown. 

                There will be a gathering for friends and family on Saturday, September 17th from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the home of Ken and Sherry Miller, 3793 State Rte. 257 in Seneca.  It will be a time of food, fellowship, and reminiscing. 

                The Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca, Cranberry Township is completing funeral arrangements. 

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