Thelma Louise Winans

Thelma Louise Winans, 89, of Manhattan, Kansas passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Westy Community Care Home in Westmoreland, Kansas.   Thelma was born on April 20, 1924 in Bennington, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Elise Winans. She grew up and attended schools in Bennington graduating from Bennington High School. After high school she traveled with her sister to Compton, California where they helped make airplanes during World War II, known as Rosie the Riveters. She then moved to Manhattan, Kansas and worked for IGA for many years before going to work for Kansas State University as a custodian until her retirement. Thelma in her younger years was a catcher for the Graves All-stars softball team. She also was an avid bowler.   Thelma is survived by her nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother: Eugene Winans, one sister: Virginia Wallace and by her two longtime close friends Pearl and Lola Cassell.  A visitation for Thelma will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, Kansas. A graveside committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Bennington Cemetery in Bennington, Kansas. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, KS, PO Box 48, 66547.