Thelma Bass

(From Knell Mortuary)

Thelma Louise Bass, 95, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Sunday evening, May 14, 2023, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Thelma was born October 8, 1927, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late John Henry Plummer and Bessie Adeline (Sidenstricker) Plummer. She was a graduate of Sarcoxie High School, Sarcoxie, Missouri. 

Thelma married Eugene Dipper, and to this union, three children were born; they later divorced. She then married Pete Bass; he preceded her in death. 

Thelma worked at Belk Simpson Department Store and then for St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage until her retirement. She was a member of the Carthage Nazarene Church. Thelma enjoyed being around her family and loved them dearly.

Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Bryan (Mike), Carthage; a son, John Dipper (Lorrine), Thomasville, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Leah Groom, Carthage, Kristy Jones (Kelly), Carthage, Danny Bryan (Faith), Carthage; and Tim Diaz, North Carolina; a sister, Ailene DeWelt, Joplin, Missouri; a son-in-law, George Whicker, Coffeyville, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Deola Patterson, Joplin, and Shirley Plummer, Diamond, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Adabelle Wade; four brothers, Ross Plummer, L.D. Plummer, Joe Plummer, and Clyde Plummer; and two sisters, Lois Jewell Fenimore and Virginia Darlene Wilson.

Per Thelma’s wishes, there was cremation. A memorial service will be held 11 am, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Carthage Nazarene Church, Carthage, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.