Thelma Ruth Bigley

Thelma Ruth Bigley, aged 95, from Liberty, Missouri, passed away on June 6, 2026, surrounded by her children. She was born June 24, 1930, in Sedalia, Missouri to parents Arthur and Anna King. Thelma was the middle child with twelve siblings. She grew up in a house without running water or electricity. When she was twelve, she thought her family was rich because they moved to Kansas City into their first home with indoor plumbing and electricity.

In her youth, Thelma was a Candy Striper volunteer at the hospital. She loved Big Band music and dancing to the Jitterbug. She learned cleanliness from her mother who always kept a clean house and passed it on to her children.

Thelma held several different jobs during her career, but she was first and foremost a mother. She worked at Montgomery Wards, Sunshine Cookie Factory, and La Petits, to name a few. Thelma served on the Board of Housing for Liberty for many years. Thelma never shied away from electronics or computers. She loved the challenge of learning new technologies. She kept up with Facebook, her bank account, and was adept at printing off hundreds of pictures she found or received of her family. At age 40, she took driving lessons and got her driver’s license for the first time.

Thelma was always impeccably dressed. Her clothes, purse, shoes, and jewelry all matched perfectly. She looked beautiful in many colors but her favorite color was blue.

Thelma discovered the world of macrame in her forties and was very gifted in her creations. She made beautiful hanging plant hangers, hanging tables and wall art. She would even take broken lawn chairs and repair them using her macrame skills.

Thelma enjoyed Andre Rieu, a violinist and conductor. She attended two of his performances which was very exciting and a dream come true. She loved plants, birds, and animals. Thelma would often spend hours watching the birds outside her windows. She enjoyed watching comedies. One of her favorites was the Carol Burnett Show.

She was an avid walker who believed that it was important to take care of your body. She would often say, “a body in motion stays in motion.’ She especially loved to walk outdoors. Thelma also took water aerobics classes for many years.

Thelma was an excellent cook and made sure that homemade noodles were included in our family celebrations. She made sure the boys also knew how to cook for themselves.

Thelma met her husband, Matt, on a blind date. They were married on November 17, 1960. They were married 33 years prior to Matt’s passing on June 12, 1993.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Matt, and daughter, Debbie; two grandchildren; three great grandchildren; her brothers: Chester, Carl, Kenneth, and Earl; sisters: Grace, Lavera, Fern, Ethel, and Della. Her sister Janice passed on June 7, 2026.

She is survived by: son, Richard (Eva) of Handewitt, Germany, daughter, Sharon (Roger) of Shawnee, Kansas, son, Larry (Denise) of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, son, Ron (Julie) of Kansas City, Missouri, son, Jeff (Laurie) of Blue Springs, Missouri, son, Warner of Kansas City, Missouri, and son, Gary of North Kansas City, Missouri; 20 beloved grandchildren; and 38 great grandchildren; and sisters: Charlene (Lila), and Margaret.

Thelma was a courageous woman who did not back down from anyone. She had a strong unwavering moral compass and taught her children to be truthful and do the right thing. She was always there to share the biggest challenges that her family encountered. Thelma lived her life devoted to her family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her faith. She was proud of each of her children.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at Newcomer's White Chapel, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119.