Obituary - Thelma Westhoff

Thelma Isabel Westhoff, 95 of Drexel passed away April 26, 2011 at Manor Care of Overland Park, where she had been a resident.

Thelma was born December 11, 1915 in Stanley, Ks., daughter of Harve Edgar and Laveda Bell (Hunziker) Loveland.  She was married on November 12, 1932 in Amoret, Mo., to Harley F. Westhoff.  Harley and Thelma had three children and also adopted a daughter.

Thelma attended the Woodland School near Drexel, the same school attended by her parents and where her sister, Hazel Anderson, was a teacher.  Thelma cared for her husband; her mother; and her daughter, Deloris.  Indeed, her family remembers her as the ultimate caregiver as she devoted her life to caring for her family members who had multiple illnesses.  She also cared for foster children as well.  Her grandchildren remember her playing cards with them before the bus picked them up for school; and one grandson particularly remembers Thelma making him potato cakes! She loved to play cards, and had even done so on her recent 95th birthday.  Thelma loved her candy, and this past Valentine’s day, ate all of her chocolate-covered cherries.  Her family will never forget the tremendous care she showed for each of them.

Thelma was a member of the Burdette Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harley on January 2, 1980, two brothers, two sisters, as well as one brother Sydney who died in infancy; and two daughters, Deloris Garland and Lavada Mathis; and one brother-in-law, John Westhoff.

She is survived by her children: daughter Mary Smith (Jerry) of Des Moines, Ia.; adopted daughter Donna Westhoff Aylward (Al) of Drexel; grandchildren Kenny Garland (Tammy); Steve Garland; Rick Garland; Angi Covington; Tina and Tim Gomez; and Brian Lovgren (Evette).  She also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10-11:00 AM Friday, April 29, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816) 657-4400. A funeral service will be at 11:00 AM with Rev. Paul Burhart presiding. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions in Thelma’s name are suggested to either the Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Foundation, and may be left in care of the funeral home.