Jean Thuma

D. Jean Thuma, 90, of Overland Park, KS, passed away May 17, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital with her daughters at her side..

Jean Thuma was born Abilene, KS on August 30,1929. She grew up on a farm near Longford, KS attending a one room country schoolhouse. Her family moved to Topeka, KS where she graduated from Topeka High School in 1947. During her high school years, she played piano, trombone. and placed in state competition with her beautiful soprano voice.

In 1944, Jean attended Forest Park Church Camp where she committed her life to full time Christian service, not knowing where or what it would be. It was at that camp the same year, she met a young man, Lowell, who had committed his life to Christian ministry and was praying that he would meet a girl that would become his wife. They met on the last day of camp and were married 3 years later in 1947. Thus began 43 years of serving God in the Evangelical United Brethren, United Methodist Churches and wherever God led them after retirement. Jean taught herself to play the organ and served throughout their ministry as an organist, pianist, choir member, and in any capacity needed.

At the tender age of 42, she returned to school, and became a Registered Nurse. She worked at St Luke's Hospital for 13 years as Oncology Nurse Manager until she retired in 1990.

Jean and her family enjoyed many experiences together including traveling and camping. She made many good memories for us all.

She is survived by her daughters, Janet Herndon (Robert) of Merriam and Joan Clary (Buddy) of Overland Park, grandson James Whim, great grandsons Troy Whim and Oliver Crocker and their parents Sarah and Derek Crocker. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Lowell and one sibling, Phil Kissling.

Jean was loving, kind, gracious, patient, faithful, strong, yet gentle and humble. She loved serving her Lord and was a willing vessel to help others for His Glory. She shared her husband's motto, "Excellence in all things to the Glory of God"

Our hearts are broken but we, her daughters and family take great comfort in knowing that she is with Jesus now and we will see her again someday!

Visitation and graveside service will be limited to family members only. She will be buried alongside her husband at Shawnee Mission Memorial Gardens,

The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be sent to:

The Thuma Scholarship Fund -

Resurrection Foundation, Thuma Scholarship,

13720 Roe Ave

Leawood, KS  66224