Thelma L. Kaps

Thelma L. Kaps of Elwood passed away Friday, February 28, 2020 at Elwood Care Center at the age of 93. Thelma was born June 28, 1926 in Hill City, Kansas to Roy L. and Grace (Flynn) Bice. On December 6, 1943 she married Vernon Kaps in Lexington, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with two children, Stanley and Del. They resided and farmed north of Lexington, later moving to Kearney. In 1960, they moved to California and in 1965, came back to Nebraska and made their home in Elwood. Thelma was a cook at Kearney State College and secretary at Nolte Plumbing and Heating in Kearney. She kept books for many years at the family business, Vern's Garage and Trailer Sales. Thelma enjoyed traveling and camping in their motorhome where many lifetime friends were made. Playing cards, dominoes, and marbles were some of her favorite pastime games to play with family and friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, American Legion Auxiliary, and St. John Catholic Church. Thelma was also an active member of the Elwood Centennial Club and volunteered at the Elwood Food Bank. Her family and her sons were her true delight. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 infant twin brothers; 8 sisters; and 4 brothers; and daughter-in-law, Donna Kaps. Survivors include her sons, Stanley (Marcia) Kaps of Aurora, NE and Del (Julie) Kaps of Garden City, KS; 4 grandchildren, Marlo (Jennifer) Kaps, Denise Kaps, Kirk (Kelley) Kaps and Alyssa (Danny) Powers; 8 great grandchildren, Mackenzie (Evan) Jones, Mollie, Wyatt and Owen Kaps, Kamryn Moffett, Paisley Powers and Khloe and Knox Kaps; brother-in-law, Dale Cochrane of Eustis; as well as many other relatives.

Memorials are suggested to Elwood Care Center or Elwood Senior Center. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Smithfield, NE with Rev. Thomas Lux as celebrant. Burial will follow at Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Smithfield with rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at the church. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.