CLASS OF 1934 SEPTEMBER 30, 1916 - JUNE 17, 2014 Thelma Audrey Duncan age 97, of Joplin, Missouri formerly of Osawatomie, Kansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at her daughters home in Joplin. Thelma was born September 30, 1916 in Fredonia, Kansas the eldest of four born to Orie F. and Mabel (Bachman) Neuenschwander. Her famiy moved to Osawatomie when she was a baby. Thelma attended school in Osawatomie and was a 1934 graduate of Osawatomie High School. After graduation she went to work in the office for the local newspaper for several years. On August 24, 1935 she married Hallett Williamson " Jim" Duncan. The couple made there home in Lane, Kansas for a few years, later moving to Osawatomie. They became the parents of two daughters: Betty Jo and Kay. In 1964 Thelma became the owner and operator of the Mode O Day ladies clothing store in Osawatomie. She ran the store for thirteen years retiring in 1977. She and her husband Jim loved to travel, they traveled throughout the United States in their motor home spending their winters in southern Texas and in California. Jim died April 11, 1982. Thelma continued her love of traveling making trips to San Jose', California to visit her daughter Betty Jo and family. One of her favorite trips was traveling around Australia with her daughter and grandson. Thelma continued to live in Osawatomie until she moved to her daughter's home in Joplin due to age and failing health. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant sister her brother Kenneth Neuenschwander and one sister Maxine Long. She is survived by her two daughters: Betty Jo Duncan of Joplin, MO and Kay (Doug) Hollis also of Joplin, MO. two grandchildren: Jeffrey Hollis and JoAnn ( Jim) Graffam all of Joplin, MO. Her sister Doris Kreiger of Silverton, OR, sister in-law Ona Mae Neuenschwander of Osawatomie, KS and many nieces nd nephews. Her family would like to thank Mercy Hospice personnel for their excellent care. Memorials are to: Mercy Hospice or Osawatomie Alumni Association. Memorial may be sent in care of the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home. |
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