Journalist and author, Thelma Margaret Heatwole began her journalistic career in 1946 as a reporter for the Glendale News Herald. Before joining the staff of the Arizona Republic, Heatwole served as a "stringer" for the Phoenix Gazette. During her 16-year career as a reporter for the Arizona Republic, she covered the news of eight cities, as well as Luke Air Force base.

Heatwole has authored two books, Ghost Towns and Historical Haunts and Arizona-Off the Beaten Path. Both books are based on trips she took with her husband, family, and friends into all parts of Arizona.

In 1985, Heatwole received the first Lifetime Community Service Award from the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. She was also an active member of the Glendale Arizona Historical Society and researched the history of Glendale's Sahauro Ranch in an effort to have more than 17 acres of the 80-acre site registered as a national historic landmark. Heatwole has received more than 100 awards in journalism and photography from the Arizona Press Women, the National Federation of Press Women, and the Arizona Press Club. In 1979-1980 she was selected as the Arizona Press Women's "Woman of Achievement".