Alma Martens Thiessen, 96, of South Hutchinson, KS passed away Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the Mennonite Friendship Communities (Mennonite Manor), nine months after leaving her home of 60+ years.

Alma was born March 7, 1925 on a farm ¾ mile south of Inman, KS to Gus and Mary (Pauls) Martens.  At five years of age, Alma's mother died due to sudden illness, leaving her four children motherless.  Alma was then raised by her much-welcomed stepmother, Mary Schmidt.

Alma attended Inman Grade School and in 1943 graduated from Inman High School along with 39 classmates.  After graduation, Alma found employment with J.S. Dillon Company in Hutchinson, where she remained employed for 16 years.

On November 16, 1947, Alma and Phillip H. Thiessen were married at the Mennonite Church in Inman. They made their home together in Hutchinson where they celebrated 40 years before Phil passed away.  Their home was blessed with Janet, born December 17, 1959 and Greg, born November 15, 1962.

Alma was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of lifelong friends. Alma loved gardening, yard work, and bird watching. Alma was known for her skilled cooking and baking, especially peppernuts for the holidays.  She volunteered at Ten Thousand Villages, First Mennonite Church of Hutchinson, MCC sales, and the Kansas State Fair.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, four brothers: Edwin, Walter, Victor, Melvin Martens, husband Phil, children Janet, Greg, and many other relatives and friends.

Survivors include five grandchildren: Tarin Farmer, Hunter Thiessen, Heidi Thiessen, Jordan Bever, Jack Bever and her great-grandchildren Lydia Farmer and Audrey Thiessen, son-in-law James (Jim) Bever, daughter-in-law Lorna Thiessen, and sister Lois Dewhurst.

Funeral service will be held Friday, December 17, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Mennonite Church, 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.  Friends may visit Elliott Mortuary on Thursday, December 16, 2021from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given in her honor to Hospice of Reno County or the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.