Obituary of Twila June Wellsfry

Born to James and Rubie Chmelka in the small Czech immigrant community of Thurston, Nebraska  

 Twila’s father, a WWI Purple Heart veteran, moved the family to the warmer Los Molinos, CA in 1928.  After two years the family moved to Chico, CA near the Sacramento River where she and her five other siblings were raised.  

Twila graduated from Chico High School and enrolled at Chico State University.  Her main interest was art and took classes under Miss Angeline Stansbury in the Stansbury House, now a Nationally Registered Historic Place and museum in Chico.  Supporting the WWII effort, Twila served as a bookkeeper at the Mare Island Naval ship yard in Vallejo, CA.  Upon returning to Chico, she met and married Wilson Wellsfry.  Along with Wilson, she kept the books for the “Wellsfry Sign Company”.  

Twila was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and friend.  Her many interests included, art, painting, museums, gardening, canning, stitchery, trailer camping, boating, waterskiing, bridge, visiting the sick and needy, and attempting to play golf with one eye. 

The family expresses their appreciation to the comforting care of Townsend House, Enloe Hospital Hospice and all who visited Twila. 

Twila is survived by Son Stephen Wellsfry and his Wife Kathleen, Grandson Benjamin Wellsfry, Granddaughter Rachel Martin and her Husband Michael and Great Grandson William, Sister Elaine Chmelka Watt, many supportive nieces and nephews, and Steve’s brother-friends Craig Holmberg and Mark Powers.  Twila is preceded in death by siblings Marvin, Ralph, Alice, and Robert.

Upon reaching 100, Twila celebrated her birthday with family and friends, and met her first great grandson. 

As a member of the EV Free Church, she loved studying the Bible and found her hope, peace, security, and identity in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Her hope in life was going to Heaven.  Some of her last words were, “Thank you Father for everything! Heaven will be great!”  

Twila was a most positive, thankful, and encouraging person.  She dwelled on what was true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.  What we learned, received, heard, and saw in Twila, may we practice these things and the God of peace will be with us as it was with her.  (Philippians 4:8-9)