Thelma Bullard

TAMA-Thelma Rae Bullard “Bye-Ta-Sa-Mo-Ga”, 74, of Tama, passed away, Friday, May 23, 2025 at Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Thelma was born on July 10, 1950, in Tama, Iowa, the daughter of Lottie Bullard and Roger Morgan.

Thelma attended the Meskwaki Day School.

She worked in various fields throughout her life. Thelma enjoyed doing her crafts, attending the Meskwaki Annual Pow Wow and the carnival, playing Bingo, and most of all spending time with her family.

Thelma is survived by her son, Tim Bullard; daughters, Melanie Bullard, and Amy White; grandchildren, Zachary Hurd, Celise (Josh) Engel, Arianna Sprague, Libby Danks, Jazmin Sprague, Deja Sprague, and Tristan Bullard; great-grandchildren, Ja Meir, D’moni, and Mai’ Lanni; nieces, Trista Ward (Cornelison), and Tracy Drake; nephews, Brandon Cornelison and Michael Conley Cornelison; and several cousins.

Also survived by her very special grandchildren, Carly Mathes Henle, Cyrus Mathes, Millie Mathes Henle, Macie Henle, Caitlyn Mathes Henle, and Emrey Mathes.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Neil Birkey; siblings, Lois Gleason, Jack Bullard, and Sally (Bullard) Cornelison; great-grandchild, Mateo Smith; and several cousins.