Thelma Cleo Six, 91, of Adrian, MO, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 25, 2024 in Overland Park, KS. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, followed by a burial at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adrian Rural Fire Department or Crescent Hill Cemetery.

Thelma was born October 5, 1932, in the rural home of Homer and Lovenna (Davis) Massey in Orla, MO. She was the only daughter growing up alongside "the boys", Robert, John, and Don. It was on the farm working with her parents and brothers that she learned her strong work ethic, determination, and spirit.

Thelma graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950 and earned her Bachelors of Science in Education from Southwest MO State University in 1953. A few months later, she began her teaching career at Adrian R-III. She met Harold, her husband for 65 years, that same fall, and they married May 29, 1955. Thelma and Harold made their home north of Adrian surrounded by wonderful neighbors who became life-long friends. Three children made for a complete farm family and added to the busy life of a full-time teacher. Daughters, Cheryl Lawrence and Darla Six, and son, Cary (Lara) Six, all of Adrian, kept Mom active and involved in all their activities. Thelma taught her children the joy that comes from working hard and creating a balance between taking care of family and serving your community. Thelma loved cooking and food preservation from the garden, especially making dill pickles for her grandchildren. She was known for her flaky pie crusts, which were a part of her delicious fruit pies and Valentine tarts. She would sew clothes for her daughters in grade school and also stitched countless names, "A"s, and chevrons on letter jackets over the years for many Blackhawks. Being outdoors mowing the yard, growing a variety of flowers, tending her chickens, and seeing to the needs of countless others was how she preferred to spend days in her retirement. Two of her favorite pastimes were attending Mizzou football games in the fall on Saturday afternoons and spending time supporting and loving her five grandchildren.

Thelma made time to be active in her community. She accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and was a member of the Adrian Christian Church. She was involved for many years with the Willing Workers 4-H Club serving as a foods and clothing project leader. She volunteered and participated in the Bates County Fair as an exhibitor, youth judge, and as Superintendent of the Open Division in the Youth Building for many years. She was a founding member of the Beta Sigma Phi social & civic sorority in Adrian. Her friendships in the Beta Pi Chapter were very precious to her.

Professionally, Mrs. Six was a fixture at Adrian R-III for 34 years. She not only taught the curriculum, but counseled, consoled, advised, and simply listened to many students and colleagues in her corner classroom. Numerous student teachers began their careers under her tutelage and guidance. She coached many FHA/HERO members to serve at the regional, state, and even national levels. Most of us experienced successful, and not-so-successful, sewing and cooking projects in her classroom and kitchen. You could hear Mrs. Six coming down the hallway before seeing her, due to the clicking of her high-heeled pumps. She was a lifetime member of the Missouri State Teachers' Association as well as the Missouri Retired Teachers' Association. She served as a Legislative representative for her area and made many trips to Jefferson City with other retirees to advocate for all educators and students across the state.

Thelma leaves a strong legacy tied to the mission of Future Homemakers of America. She instilled in all of us the value of strong family connections. She encouraged us to honor truth, love, security and faith. She held us to the high standard of living a life that was good and fair. Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Mrs. Six, because of you we will continue to face the future with warm courage and high hopes.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers; son-in-law, Monte Lawrence; and great-granddaughter, Halston Scott. She is survived by her three children; daughter-in-law; sister-in-law, Reine Six, of Holiday, FL; granddaughters: Becca Lawrence of Lakewood, CO; Makyna (Drew) Scott of Raymore, MO; grandsons: J.R. (Erica) Lawrence of North Kansas City, MO; Bayler and Kyler Six of Adrian, MO; two great-granddaughters: Breelyn Scott and Aurora Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.