Thelma M. (Helms) Wilber, age 97 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 12, 2017. She was born in Colfax Township on October 26, 1919, the daughter of Fred and Ida (Hutson) Helms. Thelma grew up in Mecosta County and graduated from Mecosta Rural School in 1938. She was an honor student all four years of her high school career and class officer for three years. Thelma was active in various school activities including, band, basketball, chorus, as well as many other clubs. She married Pierce Wilber on September 25, 1938 and together they raised their family in Big Rapids. Thelma was employed by Big Rapids Greenhouse for over 30 years as a designer. In 1965 she started crafting eggs into beautiful works of art; such as music boxes, ornaments, and jewelry boxes. Thelma attended her first egg art show in 1971. She enjoyed and shared this hobby for over 50 years. In 1996 Thelma was commissioned by the White House to create an Easter Egg that would later be placed in the Presidential Museum for President Clinton and his wife. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Don) Kailing of Big Rapids; one sister Doretha Adams of Mecosta; one sister-in-law, Virginia Helms of Flint; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Pierce on February 7, 2004, son Beryl Wilber in 1991, daughter Karen Dominowski in 1998, a special granddaughter Denise Marie Kailing in 2010; three brothers, Ervin, Marion, and Kenneth. Funeral services will take place 11am Thursday March 16, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids with Reverend Rebecca Morrison officiating. The family will greet friends from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, March 15th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Thelmas name may be given to the First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking our guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Thursday, March 16, 2017 11:00 AM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307