Thelma Camille Tague, a cherished resident of Ontario, California, and a beloved figure in the local community, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, at the age of 96. Thelma, known for her unwavering dedication to education and her vibrant spirit, leaves behind a legacy that has touched countless lives.
Born on February 21, 1928, Thelma’s life was rooted in the very community she would come to serve so diligently. She attended local schools, including Edison Elementary and Ontario Junior High, before graduating from Chaffey High School in 1945. Her early years were filled with joyful activities, from playing tennis to swimming at local spots like the Chaffey Plunge.
Thelma’s passion for teaching led her to a long and impactful career, spanning 50 years. She began teaching in Los Angeles before moving to Riverside and eventually settling at San Antonio Elementary in Ontario. However, it was at Hawthorne Elementary where she became a local legend, teaching kindergarten through second grade and earning the title of Teacher of the Year for the Ontario-Montclair School District.
Her teaching methods were innovative and engaging, including the creation of a tone bell music program and a collection of holiday poems and songs that are still cherished by her colleagues today. Even after her retirement in 1993, Thelma’s love for education brought her back to Hawthorne Elementary, where she continued to inspire students for seven more years.
Thelma’s life was also marked by her deep love for her family and her 75-year marriage to Gyle Tague, whom she met while attending Redlands University. The couple’s bond was a testament to enduring love, and together they raised two children, Gayle Young and Eric Tague, and cherished eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In the wake of her passing, many have taken to social media to share their memories and express their condolences. Norma McKibben Grider reflected on Thelma’s impact, saying, "A wonderful person, a great teacher and a very dear friend, Thelma Teague has passed away at the age of 96. She was a wise teacher and a friend as well as an Avon customer." Judy Hawkins LeBoeuf fondly remembered, "I’ll always remember the way she played piano for her kinders during music time."
Other community members echoed these sentiments. Priscilla Maxwell Jacques noted, "Mrs. Teague was a wonderful teacher and friend. What a beautiful long life she had, doing so many things she loved." Nichole Acosta added, "She was my first grade teacher and I kept contact with her all these years up until about nine years ago. Her and her husband were the prime examples of what love was."
Thelma Camille Tague’s life was a shining example of faith, family, and a commitment to education. Her legacy of kindness, joy, and dedication to her community will continue to inspire all who knew her. In her memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Special Olympics or the local Humane Society, reflecting Thelma’s lifelong passions for both education and animals.