Thelma L. Phelan

Thelma L. Phelan, 88, of Salina, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Tulsa. She was born on August 6, 1934, in Kenwood; the daughter of John H. and Cassie M. (Petree) Chancellor. She attended school in old Eucha and Jay and graduated from Jay High School in the Class of 1952. She was football homecoming queen her senior year of high school. Thelma married JL “Sonny” Phelan on July 3, 1954, and they honeymooned at Blue Hole. They celebrated 44 years of marriage until his passing in 1999.

She owned Thelma’s Dress Shop in Salina and also owned and operated T & S Beverage in Salina since 1994. Thelma was a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed being a part of the Salina community. She also looked forward to attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events and loved spending every moment she could with them. Thelma looked forward to family gatherings and enjoyed cooking. She was a loving mother, Mema, aunt and friend and leaves behind many memories for her family to cherish.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2023, in the Blue Springs Church in Salina with Reverend Lorne Beck officiating. Burial will follow in the Ross – Mayes Cemetery in Salina. No formal visitation will be held, but you are welcome to come by and sign the guest book on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, until 8:00 p.m. To leave her family a message, please visit her Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Thelma is survived by her son, Jim Phelan and wife Nancy of Salina, Oklahoma; daughter, Janet Hall and husband Mark of Salina, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Julie Gaskins and husband Tex of Salina, Oklahoma, Laura Phelan of Salina, Oklahoma and Bryce Hall of Salina, Oklahoma; 2 great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Carson of Salina, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Cassie Chancellor; husband, JL “Sonny” Phelan; and sister, Lois Pritchett.