Thelma Orlie (Smoot) Shepherd

Thelma Orlie Smoot Shepherd, 94, was born November 17, 1927 and passed away February 14, 2022 at the Mooreland Heritage Manor of natural causes.

She was born to Joseph and Minnie Flossie Smoot. She was the 14^th of 14 children. Her and her twin Velma were the last ones to come.

Thelma graduated in 1946 from Laverne and was married to Lester Shepherd on June 5, 1946 at Ashland, Kansas. They were blessed with 4 children, Sandra, L.H., Terry and Jolonda. Thelma worked for many years at Western State Hospital in the Laundry Department and Food Service and in later years in Occupational Therapy. She retired from Western State Hospital on May 29, 1986.

She is survived by a daughter Sandra and husband Jim Alexander, a son Lester (L.H.) and Janice Shepherd. She had 7 grandchildren; Jeff Alexander, Justin Alexander, Jeremy Alexander, Michael Shepherd, Tonya Kroff, A.J. Bird and Jody Love, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild on the way, many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lester (Joe), a son Terry Shepherd, a daughter Jolonda Love, her mother and father, sisters; Florence, Gertrude, Goldie, Lahoma, Sara, Martha and Velma, brothers; Ralph, Roy, Lee, Allan, Eugene and Joseph, Jr. and a great granddaughter Jacee Alexander.

Thelma will be greatly missed by many. The family wants to thank each of you for all who have helped and prayed for us. We wish to especially thank all of the staff at Mooreland Heritage Manor and Traditions Hospice for all their loving kindness and support while Thelma was there.