Thelma O’Harro, 97, Glen Elder
GLEN ELDER – Thelma Louise O’ Harro peacefully went to be with her Lord and savior on Thursday, December 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at the youthful age of 97.
Thelma was born to Homer and Florence Hill (Marzolf) in her childhood home in Glen Elder, KS on March 14, 1925.
She met the love of her life, Max O’ Harro, after a blind date set up by her sister and they were united in marriage a few months later on June 2, 1946 at the homeplace. Together they had a life full of love and were an inspiration to all.
In 1962 they welcomed a beautiful angel into this world, their daughter, Patricia “ Patty” , and a few years later they were blessed with another inspiring soul, their second “ daughter” , Geraldine “ Geri” . Thelma’ s life was one of pure joy and love that reached out to so many people in the world.
To say that Thelma loved and was loved by the whole village would be an understatement. Thelma never met a stranger and if you ever had the chance to meet her, even just once, you were considered her friend. Aside from her group of admirers, her greatest pride and joy was her daughter. Patty, like her mother, had a huge heart, never met a stranger, and cared for people endlessly. Patty gave Thelma and the world three handsome boys. Thelma cared for and loved her grandsons as if they were her lifeline, because in her eyes, they were. The adoration and support she gave them through her life was one of infinite quantity. After the earthshattering loss of Patty in 2014, her grandsons became her everything. In addition, Thelma was also graced with many great-grandchildren. She made it a priority, until the last two months of her life, to attend all their sporting events, recitals, and school events. She loved to watch them, cheer them on and see her daughter reflected in them.
When going to “ Grandma’ s” house, you were guaranteed to be doted on and stuffed with either candy, her homemade Rice Krispie’ s treats, Oatmeal Crème Pies, cheese and crackers or any other sweet treats she had on hand. She would say she made them for the kids but anyone that knew Thelma, knew she had a hearty diet of anything most would consider “ unhealthy” .
The core memories her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will hold near and dear to their heart is her sense of humor, her very specific grocery lists from the nearest Dollar Store, her toddler sized portions of food, how she liked to keep her home at near sauna-like temperatures, her love of wine, the sound of the local Beloit radio station playing on her radios in every room, her fear of missing out and wanting to be wherever the party was, her reasoning for not being afraid of the COVID virus because she had survived the dust storms, her two showers a day, the daily laundering of her clothes and sheets, her aversion to baths, her frugal and stubborn personality, the largest smile she would give when someone would walk in the door and her unending support. But the thing her family will miss most is her smile, wave and kiss blowing as she stood at the doorstep watching her loved ones drive away until she couldn’ t see them anymore.
Thelma was a very active and devoted resident of Glen Elder. Everyone in Glen Elder and the surrounding towns knew her and the impact she had on the community. She and Max built, owned, and ran the Tasty Freeze that they later renamed as the Glen Elder Drive Inn for several years.
Together they started and owned the O’ Harro Hardware & Sundries Store and eventually ran the Sportsman’ s Café. Thelma and Max were an entrepreneurial power couple.
In addition to her many businesses, Thelma was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, served as a Pink Lady at the Mitchell County Hospital for many years and was most proud to be a life member of the Glen Elder Christian Church.
Thelma and Max had a profound passion and devotion for the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member for over 65 years and was very proud of this major life accomplishment.
Thelma was preceded in death by her loving husband Max in 1996; her parents Homer and Florence; her beautiful daughter, Patty; and her siblings, Evelyn, Orville, Alma, and Lola.
Thelma is survived by her “ daughter” , Geri of McPherson; three grandsons, Boe (Staci) Soden of Niles, Christopher (Moria) Soden of Denton, TX, and Patrick of Canton; a “ granddaughter” , Stephanie (Jeff) Wedel of Moundridge; nine greatgrandchildren, Payton, Joshua, MacKenlee, Baylee, Dylan, Tricia, Dawson, Ella, and Koehn; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 AM Friday, December 16 at the Glen Elder Christian Church. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 4-6 PM Thursday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association. Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com