Thelma Louise Deese

It is with a sad heart that we announce that our dear mother, Thelma "GG" Louise Deese passed away at her home on September 19, 2026, after a lengthy illness. She was God Fearing woman who always would tell everyone how great the Lord has been to her and her family. 

GG was born on February 11, 1933, in De Soto City, Florida to the late Noah and the late Mary Williams Browning. GG married to the love of her life Warren Deese on March 25, 1949, in Venus, Florida, they were married for 38 years before he preceded her in death. GG worked for the Hendry County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Officer for almost 15 years before she retired. GG was a member of First Baptist Church for 71 years. GG was a tenacious woman who was always active in her church and being a full time mother and grandmother. She loved traveling, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and square dancing with Warren. Most of GG enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

When GG was raising her children, she would always have a red plastic belt in her purse, she just had to show it to Linda, Ed and Karen and they knew they better behave when they were in church. She never actually had to use the belt on anyone, they just knew if she showed them the belt, they knew they were warned about their behavior. 

GG leaves fond memories with her children; Linda Ruble, Ed Deese and his wife Rose, granddaughters; Jennifer Ruble, Bethany Ruble, grandson; RP Middleton, and his wife Liz, ten great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, including niece Vi Wallace. 

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Warren Deese, daughter; Karen Middleton, grandson Rory Deese, sons-in-law; Bob Middleton, and Marvin Ruble, siblings; Eunice (Jimmie) Johnson, Albert (Bud) Browning, Mary Henderson and Miriam Partridge. 

Thelma's life will be celebrated with a funeral service being held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle, where Pastor Preston Long and Pastor Emeritus Frank Deerey, Jr presiding over the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Thelma will be laid to rest next to her husband Warren, in Fort Denaud Cemetery in LaBelle.