Thelma Fay Widener

Thelma Fay (Lankford) Widener, a life long resident of the Seneca area passed away Thursday morning December 21st at the age of 95. She was a twin born to Lois (Thomas) and Perry Elmer Lankford on September 26, 1928 in Newton County, MO. She was one of ten children of which there were two sets of twins.

Thelma Fay was a 1947 graduate of Seneca High School. She worked at many restaurants in Seneca and managed Seneca Dairy Queen for many years. She later worked for Milnot in the lab from 1972 until retiring in 1993. She volunteered for many years at Freeman Neosho Hospital. She had been an active member of the Seneca Business and Professional Womens for a number of years. She was very active in helping organize preparations for the Annual Lankford Reunion which was formed in 1950. Thelma Fay was always busy, mowing, weed eating, crocheting and working on the farm. She was also known for her pies. Thelma Fay was a faithful member of the Hottel Springs Church of Christ and was recognized this year of being a lifelong member of the church.

Thelma Fay Lankford married George Widener May 31, 1947 in Coumbus, KS and he preceded her in death April 24, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents; 6 brothers; Eugene Lankford, Gilbert (Gib) Lankford, Junior Lankford, Phillip Lankford, Cecil Lankford and her twin brother Elmer Ray Lankford, Two sisters; Phyllis Rogers and Margaret Ruth Kosted.

Thelma Fay is survived by her daughter, Barbara Jean Widener, Seneca; one brother, Max Wayne Lankford and wife Peggy, Seneca and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 1pm - 2pm, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Hottel Springs Church of Christ. Funeral services will follow at 2pm with Bob Hampton and Lawrence Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the McNatt Cemetery with Nephews serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the McNatt Cemetery or the Hottel Springs Church of Christ.