Thelma Douville, 89, of Chamberlain passed away from natural causes on February 10, 2021 in the comfort of her own home.

Funeral mass services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 22 ^nd , 2021 at St. James Catholic Church, Chamberlain, SD.  Masks are required and the Social Distancing policy of the church will be followed, so space will be limited.

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Thelma Lou Whirlwind Horse was born on March 13, 1931 to Sadie (Zimiga) and Louis Whirlwind Horse Sr. in Wanblee, SD.  Thelma grew up in the Wanblee and Kyle areas. She attended high school at the Bacone Boarding School in Muskogee, OK.  Thelma went on to nursing school at Sacred Heart in Yankton, SD where she obtained her nursing degree in 1953. After graduation, Thelma worked as a registered nurse at Community Bailey Hospital, where she met the love of her life, Bob Douville, while caring for him after he had experienced a little fender bender.

Thelma was united in marriage to Robert C. Douville Sr. on June 10, 1957 at St James Catholic Church in Chamberlain, SD. To this union seven children were born, Denise, Gina, Robert II, Daigre', Yvette, Michelle and Andre'.

After taking a hiatus from full-time nursing to raise her children, Thelma went back to work at Sunset Valley Haven nursing home in the late 1970s. In 1980 Thelma started her career at the Indian Health Service where she worked for 30 years, retiring in August of 2010.

Thelma's love was unconditional, it resonated throughout her family and all who knew her. She loved spending her free time with family and friends fishing and socializing. As she was raising her children her house was filled with lots of their friends on a daily basis, many of whom called her "mom" as well. All were welcomed. Thelma always made sure there was enough food to feed any who were hungry and had a wonderful way of showing love and giving any extra encouragement to those who needed it. Thelma was the best Gramma in the world to all of her grandchildren and made a special bond with each of them.

Oh! And, she had lots of fun with her good friends Rosemary "Mac" Marsh, Eleanor Saukerson, Doris Thomas, Gladys Biskeborn, and Marie Meyer; her bestest buddies.

Fortunate and grateful for sharing her life are her children Denise L. Douville, Gina R. (Glen) Douville-Jorgensen, Robert C. Douville II, Daigre' L. Douville, Yvette M. Douville, Michelle L. (Mo) Barrett, and Andre' M. (Rosemary) Douville; a hunka daughter and best friend Sheryl (Dave) Baldwin; a faithful companion Lola; 17 grandchildren Shannon, Tristan, Seann, Chanelle, Chelsea, Dorian, Estan, Brant, Emilio, Talyn, Carley, Dana, Emily, Robert, Irie, Elijah and Drew; 13 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Mae Whirlwind Horse and Connie Whirlwind Horse, brother-in-law Rex Herman and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Preceding her in death were her husband Robert C. Douville Sr., parents Louis Sr. and Sadie; brothers Anthony, Eugene, Elijah, and Louis Jr.; sister Wilma; sister-in-law Eileen.

With deep appreciation and love we would like to give a nod to our siblings Yvette, Michelle & Mo, and Bobby for the extra special care that they provided to our beloved parents.

For Relatives and friends who cannot come, there will be a special celebration and interment service on June 10, 2021 for Thelma and Bob when they will be laid to rest together and a tree planted; their final wish.