Thelma Pauline Hutchinson, 84, of Great Bend, Kan., and former Russell and Paradise, Kan., resident, died on Friday, Aug. 06, 2021, at the Azria Health Care Center in Great Bend, Kan.

Thelma was born on Dec. 26, 1936, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Lester R. and Helen Maude (Dodson) Pfortmiller. She was raised by her grandparents Henry and Anna Pfortmiller and grew up and attended school in rural Paradise, Kan., and lived in the Russell, Osborne and Barton County, Kan. areas most all her life. She was married to Tom Hutchinson on Jan. 25, 1954 in Russell, Kan. From this union Thelma and Tom were blessed with three children Sheryl, Randy and Bruce. She was a hard-working wife and mother who enjoyed taking care of her husband and children. Later Thelma and Tom were divorced. She worked as a certified nurse’s assistant and physical therapy aid at the Russell Regional Hospital from 1980 to 1995. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kan. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, KOOD, ROAR and Palco Art Club. She enjoyed being a talented artist creating beautiful oil and water color paintings and wood carvings. She enjoyed listening to music and watching football on television. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and close friends.

Surviving family include her daughter Sheryl Corn and husband Steve of Great Bend, Kan.; sons Randy Hutchinson and wife Stephanie of Falun, Kan. and Bruce Hutchinson of Hoisington, Kan.; sisters Sue Koehler and husband Dan of Lawrence, Kan. and Loa Gordon and husband Paul of Auburn, Kan.; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents Lester Pfortmiller and Helen Burger; and grandparents Henry and Anna Pfortmiller; sister Alice Wiggs; and one great grandchild Fayelle Hutchinson.

A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kan. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m Thursday evening. Memorials may be given to the Palco Art Club and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Pohlman ~ Varner ~ Peeler   Mortuary & Monuments

610 N. Maple 

Russell, KS 67665  

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 11, 2021