Thelma Santee

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

Thelma J. Santee, 89, of Joplin and formerly of Parsons, passed away at 9:28 a.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Thelma Jean Robison was born on January 22, 1934, to Claude Earl and Cora Esther (Mitchell) Robison in Mound Valley, Kansas. As a young girl, she grew up and attended school at Mound Valley Grade School and Mound Valley High School.

On June 21, 1950, Thelma and Donald “Hap” Santee were united in marriage in Oswego. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Mound Valley until moving to Parsons in 1956. After Thelma’s children were in school, she began working at Broderick’s Manufacturing as an inspector. In 2017, Thelma moved to Joplin to be closer to her family.

After retiring, Thelma loved to travel and achieved her goal of visiting all 50 states. Cruising gave her the opportunity to visit several countries in the Caribbean, Bahamas, as well as Mexico and Canada. Among her many adventures were rides in a helicopter, submarine, river rafting, parasailing and a mile long zipline in Alaska. She loved to cook and garden and she was a gracious hostess. Thelma always prepared plenty of food and had a place to stay for unexpected guests. She treated everyone like family and will be missed by many.

Survivors include:

One son – Ray Santee (Tong) of Atchison, Kansas

Three daughters – Twyla Shields (Al) of Benbrook, Texas

Jackie Robertson of Joplin, Missouri

Donna Shaad (David) of Nashport, Ohio

Nine grandchildren – Aaron Shields (Kendall); Kristin Stanley (Jimmy); Brent Shields (Jessica); Rusty Robertson (Lacey); Keith Robertson; Holly Jo Robertson; Michelle Ryan (Caleb); Jenn Verrona (Paul); and Scott Shaad

Twelve great-grandchildren – Reed Shields; Emma Shields; Alyssa Stanley; Hailey Stanley; Olivia Shields; Ryan Robertson; Tyler Robertson; Emily Robertson; Parker Verrona; Gavin Verrona; Delia Rose Shaad; and Donna Jean Shaad

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Donald Santee, who passed away on June 26, 2011; one son-in-law, Robbie Robertson; one brother, Donald Robison; one sister, Claudene Savage; three half-sisters, Ruby Good, Irene Peters, and Genevieve Chaney; and one half-brother, Asa Nelson Musselman.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.