Thelma Hensley

Thelma Hensley, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 103. She was born on August 20, 1921, in Vernon County, Mom, to Wilhelm and Mazie (Oliver) Schmidt. Thelma was one of three children in the home.

Thelma married Calvin Rex Hensley on February 10, 1946, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Sharon. Thelma was a beautiful and talented seamstress, making clothing for herself and her family, for her daughter's days in Rainbow Girls and her last great masterpiece was her daughter’s bridal gown. She even took a special class to learn how to make sports coats and slacks for her husband. Thelma worked at Keywork Uniform making uniforms for the soldiers during WWII. Thelma went on to work as an insurance agent with The Western Insurance Company and retired from there after 35 years of dedicated service. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas helping with church dinners for over 50 years. Thelma was a woman of great faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 65 years Calvin, siblings Hallie Garrett and C. Kenneth Schmidt.

Thelma is survived by her daughter Sharon Bailey and her husband Dale.

A Visitation is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic with a graveside service to follow after the visitation in Evergreen Cemetery.