Thelma Louise Bakshas

Thelma Louise Ferris Bakshas passed on April 13, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born on October 3, 1930 in Lewistown, MT. Thelma married Andy Bakshas in 1951 and had four daughters, Beverly Bakshas of Huntsville, TX, Darlene Bakshas of Salisbury, MO, Elizabeth Kunonga of Kansas City, MO and Pamela Speer of Tarnów, Poland. Their family life began in Montana, but they moved to different parts of the country for Andy’s work in upstate New York, Florida, Texas and finally in retirement to Brunswick, MO and Salisbury, Missouri. Thelma became a resident of Kansas City, Missouri in December of 2007 after her loving husband passed away.

Thelma loved meeting new people and building friendships. She had a talent for drawing, painting and writing poetry, and she was an amazing cook! Thelma gave her life to Jesus and was born again in 1975. She became passionate to know more of God and walk close with Him. She grew in her faith through the years and became very involved in her church. Thelma was a very bold witness for Christ and was always ready if an opportunity came while in the grocery store, doctor’s office or even the laundry mat. She could connect with people so easily and always had a joke to tell to break the ice. She shared how Jesus changed her life with so many people and many prayed with her to be saved. Thelma led many women’s Bible studies in TX and in MO. Even in her later years when she lived in the senior apartment complex in Gladstone, MO she still was teaching a weekly Bible study to many ladies until Covid happened. People would always come to her for prayer because she was a trusted friend and encourager.

Thelma went before us leaving her 4 daughters and 2 sons in law, Milton Kunonga and Steve Speer that she loved very much. Also, a step-son Gino Centoni from California. She has 8 beloved grandchildren (Jason, Alison, Kerry, Ryan, Joy, Hannah, Tabitha and Kirsten), 27 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandsons, and 2 great-great granddaughters that aren’t born yet, but will be here soon. Thelma has two surviving sisters, Leslie Pospisel and Donna Garber both residents of Montana. She has 3 siblings that preceded her in death, Helen Ferris, Charles Ferris, and Dale Berg.

We will miss her radiant smile, great laugh and the praises of God she would have on her lips. She would always say even in the difficult times that “We know God is at work and He is always faithful! “ Her prayer was that everyone would meet her beloved Savior and know the love of God that she came to know for herself.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Service at Northland Cathedral, 101 NW 99th St., Kansas City, MO 64155 on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Visitation from 10:00 AM until service time. Committal Service will take place on Monday, April 27,2026 at 11:00 AM at the Higginsville Veterans Cemetery, 20109 MO-13 Bus, Higginsville, MO 64037. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.