Thelma A.(McCown) Knowles, 83 of Summerfield, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on December 18, 1933 to Dan and Helen (Baker) McCown in Beatrice, Nebraska.  

Thelma worked in the Pawnee City, Nebraska Sewing Factory for several years until it closed, then she went to work  for Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Wymore, Nebraska until her illness.

Thelma enjoyed her the chihuahuas and watching her birds, especially her humming birds and spending time with her  family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard Knowles, son Robin Whitmore, grandson, Joshua D. Whitmore, sisters, Cleo Lichty, Joan McCown, brothers, Max McCown and Dan McCown.

Thelma is survived by daughters, Betty (Robert) Burger, Summerfield, KS, Nina (Mark) McClellan, Marysville, KS, sons; Roger (Sheryl) Brown,Ohio, Shane Whitmore of Summerfield, KS, Scott (Dee) Whitmore of Beatrice, NE, Rusty (Donata) Whitmore of Pickerel, NE, Michael (Judy) Knowles of Beatrice, NE, 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, sister Judy (Larry) Johnson of Ashland, NE, brothers; Lonnie McCown of North Dakota, John (Roxie) McCown of Steel City, NE and several step family.

Services 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Officiating  Pastor Eric Biehl.   Visitation on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 from Noon to 8:00 p.m, with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, Kansas. Memorials to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.