Thelma Lee Larson

Thelma Lee (Sisson) Larson died peacefully on May 6, 2015 at Cherrywood Advanced Living in Richmond, MN. Thelma was born to Manuel and Lilly Sisson on May 19, 1922 and was raised in Henryetta, Oklahoma with her siblings Wilma, Carl, Jimmy, and Margaret. She graduated from Hill's Business University in Oklahoma City in 1942 and spent most of her career as an executive secretary and office manager. Thelma worked hard to earn her place as the first woman accepted into membership of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives in 1973. She also had the privilege of being executive secretary for the 1973 Greater Milwaukee Open on the PGA tour. A renowned organizer and people person, Thelma also served on the board of the United Association of Retarded Children (UARC) for several years, tirelessly promoting the welfare of mentally retarded citizens in the state of Wisconsin. Thelma was a true southern belle and loved fashion and started professionally modeling high-style design in her 40's. She was an active member of and held various offices in The Milwaukee Society of Models for almost 10 years and was a vivid contributor to the group's popular annual benefit shows, where she and her fellow models were frequently bestowed Outstanding Service Awards for their contributions to benefit UARC and the greater Milwaukee community. Thelma is survived by two children, Tom (Linda) Jamrosy of Bloomfield, MI and Nancy (Gary) Kingsriter of Paynesville, MN; four grandchildren, Scott (Tria) Jamrosy, Albert (Gail) Kingsriter, April (Troy) Peterson, Aaron (Debra) Kingsriter; seven great-grandchildren; sister Margaret (Bob) Ratfliff; and several nieces and nephews. Her family will greatly miss her fun-loving and feisty spirit, sense of humor, never-ending charm and endearing personality. She radiated love, cherished those dear to her, shared a beautiful smile with everyone, and enjoyed a good cup of strong, hot coffee. The family extends a special thank you to Rita and Dan Woeste of Woeste Adult Foster Care in Melrose, MN for their years of devoted care and kindness. Special thanks also to the compassionate and caring staff at Cherrywood Advanced Living in Richmond, MN, for their wonderful care for Thelma in her last weeks. Funeral service held Monday, May 11 at 11:00am at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. A committal service will be held on Wednesday morning at New Senora Cemetery in Henryetta, OK at 9:00am.