Thelma Jean Wallace, 89, peacefully went home to be with Jesus on May 13, 2023, surrounded by the love of twenty plus family members. Thelma was born on April 15, 1934, in Seymour, Missouri, to Bert and Litha (Fleetwood) Rippee.
At a young age Thelma’s parents moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated from high school in 1951. Later in life she met the love of her life, Harold Wallace, while working at the Twilight Café. Harold, his 2 children, Thelma and her 3 children were united as one on July 16, 1966. A few years later they were blessed with one additional child to complete their family.
Thelma spent most of her life in food service as a waitress, cook, and cafeteria manager, as well as owning 2 cafés in the surrounding area. After retirement and until recently she worked part time at the Seymour Senior Citizens Center.
Additionally, Thelma enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s activities and with any spare time she enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, bowling, bingo with her sister, visiting at the senior citizen center, and watching the birds, especially her cardinals, from her bird feeder. More recently she passionately cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs with her sister.
Thelma was a proud lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star in which she held many offices including Worthy Matron, District Deputy Grand Matron, and Grand Representative, to mention a few. She was very passionate about the work they did and loved her Eastern Star brothers and sisters deeply.
Thelma became a daughter of Christ at a young age, recently she became a faithful member of the SNC family. The church became a huge part of Thelma’s life. When she was unable to attend services in person, she would watch Pastor Johnathon bring his message online.
Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Janice Morelan-Albertson, and son Gerald Wallace.
Thelma is survived by her sister, Bertia Binley; her children, Donald Neal Brandon (Karen), Lonnie Dale Brandon (Vanessa), Connie Arlene Anderson (Tommy) and Darrel “Bub” Wallace (Missy); her grandchildren, Lisa Englehardt (Rick), Tonya Rains (Tony), Dalora Franklin (Nick), Tammy Galbraith (Dale), Olan Morelan (Linda), Amanda Larsen (Jeff), Jeremy Morelan (Alex), Shana Cartwright (Dustin), Layce McDowell (Travis), Adam Wallace, Rachel Nicholas, Jennifer Anderson, Kate Anderson, Nathan Wallace (Charity), Natalie Sturdefant (Chad), Kyle Schreffler (Lanie) and Caleb Schreffler; 44 great-grandchildren, 27 great-great grandchildren, 5 great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Thelma was a blessing to all of us. She was a faithful and loving supporter of her family. When God decided it was time for her to join Him in heaven, we were sad by her departure, but we will celebrate her life, not mourn her passing. Leaving this earth to join Jesus and other loved ones is worthy of celebration and rejoice in her eternal life with health and happiness.
354 N Main St
Seymour, MO 65746
