Obituaries - Tuesday, August 18
Thelma "Granny" Rowson
August 17, 2026 - October 9, 1936
Thelma Irene "Granny" Rowson, 89 3/4, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by family.
Thelma was born on October 9, 1936, in Collyer, Kansas, to the late Ray and Mary (Windholz) Wintholz.
Survivors include her daughter, Raelene Mapes (Ronald Hopkins) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her cherished friend and caregiver, Beverly Crawford of Salina, Kansas; and close friends, Bruce and Jolene Richardson of Salina, Kansas.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, April Reed, Brandy Birdsong (Bret), Brent DeVere, Kesa Knopik; her great-grandchildren, Ethan Reed, Kayden Tappendick, and Paxtyn Birdsong.
In addition, Thelma is survived by her brother, Jim Wintholz (Linda) of Sidney, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Alfred Appelhans Sr.; her sons, Alfred Appelhans Jr. and Randal Appelhans; her daughter, Jacalyn DeVere; her brother, Louis Wintholz; and her significant other, Dean Area.
In honoring Thelma's wishes, cremation has been chosen.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, Kansas. Burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Smoky Hill Rehabilitation or Interim Hospice, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.
Carlson Funeral Home
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