ARLINGTON - Thelma Armstrong, 87, died Jan. 17, 2012, at Mennonite Manor, South Hutchinson.

She was born Jan. 23, 1924, in Chateau, Okla., to John Avery and Mary Edith (Davis) Smith.

Thelma was the former owner of Motel 61 and Pastime Cafe in Arlington, and was a member of the Arlington United Methodist Church. She belonged to Women of the Moose Hutchinson Chapter #1371, VFW Bob Campbell Post #1361 Ladies Auxiliary and AARP.

Thelma married Johnny Armstrong on Sept. 29, 1957, in Kiowa. He died Sept. 19, 1990.

Survivors include: two sons, Dennis A. Cooper and wife Linda of Burrton, and Kipp I. Cooper and wife Jackie of Lawrence; two daughters, Susan Sellers of Frisco, Texas, and Kathy Kroupa and husband Kenny of Tampa, Kan.; brother, David J. Smith of Bakersfield, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Chris Freeman, three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Arlington United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ken Keeling officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arlington United Methodist Church, in care of the mortuary.