Thelma Mae Chancellor passed away peacefully May 4, 2023, at the Legends Assisted Living facility, Hutchinson, KS at the age of 81 from Parkinson Disease. Thelma was the youngest of five, born September 12, 1941, to parents Charley and Elsie (Dibben) Debenham, rural Abilene, KS.

Attending local one room schools in the Industry community during her childhood. Thelma graduated from Dickinson County Community High School, Chapman, KS in 1959.

Marrying Oron Ronald Travis January 15, 1960, and had a son and daughter from this union. Thelma started her career at Southwestern Bell Company in Abilene, KS as a telephone operator. Relocating to Salina in 1980, after the SWBC offices closed in Abilene. Due to an unexpected death Thelma's first marriage ended October 19, 1994. Continuing to work until her retirement and 40 years of service, March 17, 2000.

Thelma met and married James Chancellor and relocated to Hutchinson, KS marrying November 6, 1999. Thelma was a member of Telephone Pioneers and Westside Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Sojourners Sunday School Class within the church. Thelma was fond of cooking and baking everything homemade, especially her grandkids' favorite cookies. She enjoying making homemade strawberry ice cream.

Preceded in death by: her parents; first husband; brothers, Harold Debenham and Cecil Debenham, sister, Darlene (Debenham) Drouin; two step-daughters, Stacie Schlittenhardt, and Laura Hoffman.

Survivors include: her husband, James; son, Randall Travis, Abilene; daughter, Rhonda (Travis) Garcia, Salina; grandchildren, Christopher (Gracie) Garcia, Charlottesville, VA, Gina (Jacob) Rush, Shawnee, Jennifer Dechant, Denver, CO, and Amy Tonthat, Waco, TX; step-daughter, Janice (Tommy) Murphy, Wichita; sister, Ruby French, Abilene; and many other extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Adrian officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Minneapolis Cemetery, Minneapolis, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the Rebecca Morrison House, Salina, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please list Thelma in the memo so they can be put towards a memorial in her name.