Thelma F. (Stout) White of Lakin, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at the Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on September 11, 1930, at Adaza, Iowa, to William J. and Violet V. (Whisler) Stout. Thelma's father was a telegrapher/depot agent in the peak era of train travel, and her mother taught piano. Thelma grew up in an active Christian home, and officially accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 12, while attending the Methodist church.
When Thelma was 2 ½, the family moved to Linden, Iowa, where Thelma attended school, graduating in 1948. She was editor of the school newspaper, active in music and drama, and was class valedictorian. She then attended the College of Emporia, a private Presbyterian college in Emporia, Kansas, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in flute. She also attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA.
After college graduation, she came to Lakin, Kansas, where she taught vocal music for the Lakin school district, grades 1-8, for two years. She also gave private flute and clarinet lessons for several years.
On July 11, 1954, she became the bride of Harold E. White, a local farmer who had just returned from active duty in the Korean Conflict. To this union two sons were born, William Harold White and David Timothy White. Thelma was a member of the Music and Art Club, Lakin Young Women's Club, and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakin. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible school, was involved with Presbyterian Women, and participated in the Lakin Women's Bible Study Circle for many years. She was also an ordained elder, and diligently serving her church for 12 years as Clerk of the Session.
For 20 years, Thelma owned and operated “Antiques 'N Things,” a retail antique shop in Lakin. Her antique and collectibles booths were regular fixtures at regional antique and craft shows for many years, and she enjoyed antique hunting during vacations. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, music, and nature.
For the past year as her health declined, she and her husband made their home at The Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Garden City, Kansas.
Survivors include her husband of almost 62 years, Harold, her sons William “Bill” White of Lakin, and David T. White and his wife Katherine, of Lakin; two grandsons Timothy Daniel White and his wife Tonya, and Adam Benjamin White and his wife Tara, all of Lakin. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Edan Benjamin White, Jennabelle Marie White, Levi Timothy White, Dane Jaymeson White, Desi Kathleen White, and Tatum Elizarae White, all of Lakin. She is also survived by several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Jean Clark and Janett Deahl.
Price and Sons Funeral Home of Garden City is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lakin, with the Rev. Larry Alexander officiating. Friends may call at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City from 10 to 8PM Thursday, April 21, and in Lakin on Friday April 22 from 1 to 8PM and Saturday from 10AM to 1PM at the church. The family will greet guests from 6 to 8PM at the church on Friday. Burial will be in the Lakin Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Hospice or The Homestead Assisted Living Residence of Garden City, Kansas, c/o Price & Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, KS 67846
