Thecla Hammersmith

Thecla Graf (Tex) Hammersmith, 94, joined the angels in heaven on January 6, 2015. Thecla was born December 14, 1920 in Victoria, Kansas, the daughter of Alex P. and Anna Marie Graf.  Thecla married Eugene E. (Dutch) Hammersmith on September 12, 1938 in Gorham, Kansas. A homemaker and resident of Ellinwood since 1979, Mrs. Hammersmith enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, and visiting with friends at the Heritage Senior Center.  She was an avid fisherman in her younger days. 

                Survivors include sons, Eugene (Junior) Hammersmith and wife Sandi of Ellinwood, KS; Kenneth Hammersmith and wife Mary of Biloxi, MS; Stephen Hammersmith and wife Lois of Olathe, KS; and Terrence Hammersmith and wife Alice of Hernando, MS; daughter, Patricia Collins and husband Leasil Orndoff of Ellinwood, KS; 30  grandchildren,  79 great grandchildren, and  27 great-great grandchildren. 

                She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; daughters Barbara Guzman and Janice Wolfkill, infant son James, grandson Stephen, her parents, and siblings. 

                Funeral Mass will be Saturday January 10^th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father John Forkuoh presiding. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. A visitation is scheduled from 1-6 pm on Friday January 9th at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood with a Rosary starting at 3 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Ellinwood Food Bank, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or donor’s choice in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS  67526.