Thelma Harshaw 1930-2023

Thelma (Dunlap) Harshaw, 92, of Holton, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, at The Pines in Holton.

She was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Grain Valley, Mo., the daughter of Delbert and Jessie (Tharp) Mansell.

Thelma attended Holton schools. She had lived in Holton since 1984 and previously in Manhattan, Lake Wabaunsee and Sidney, Neb.

She worked for Crosby Brothers in Topeka from 1964 to 1967 and J.C. Penney’s in Manhattan from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, Thelma and her husband Clarence moved to Lake Wabaunsee in Eskridge and they were caretakers for Lake Wabaunsee until 1984.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Holton, VFW Post 1967 Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 44 Ladies Auxiliary, Holton Hospital Auxiliary, Holton Business Women and United Methodist Women.

Thelma married Clarence “Red” Dunlap on Oct. 11, 1946, in Holton; he preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 1985. She married Francis Harshaw on Jan. 10, 1987, in Holton; he preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Jessie Mansell; three sisters, Carolyn “Sue” Mansell, Peggy Griffin and Hazel Hatfield; three brothers, Jim, Leroy and Donald Mansell; and a stepson, Randy Harshaw.

Survivors include her daughter, Lynda Moore (Mickey) of Holton; stepdaughter, Lisa Miller (Rodney) of Holton; three stepsons, Jerry Harshaw (Donna) of Louisburg, Darrel Harshaw (Patty) of Topeka and Raymond Harshaw (Leesa) of Holton; a sister, Betty Miller (Richard) of Independence, Mo.; two grandchildren, Shannon Schmille (Ben) of Holton and Brandy Seidl (Kirk) of Overland Park; five great-grandchildren; and many stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Holton Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or Beck Bookman Library, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)