Thelma Ann Shank

THELMA ANN SHANK died peacefully at her Little Rock, Ark., home on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, with her husband and other family members at her side. She was just six days shy of being age 84 years. Thelma was born Jan. 12, 1932, in Tulsa, Okla., to Oliver C. and Edna Bankston Spencer, the youngest of three children who grew to adulthood. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, T. Wayne Shank, daughters Karen B. (Toby Lange) Shank, Illinois, Stephanie A. (Tom) Miyake, Texas, and son, Stan (Sherry) Shank, Kan., seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Her sister, Dorothy Carpenter, of Tulsa, also survives. Thelma's beloved dog, Muphie, continues to charm all she meets. Thelma was predeceased by her parents, and by her brother, Earl T. Spencer. Thelma had an active and intelligent mind that led her to enjoy many activities: theater, story-telling, championship spelling, Scrabble master, reading, card games, and gardening, especially zinnias. Her children cannot pass a zinnia without thinking of Mom. She loved to cook for her family and friends. Her baked fudge and New Year's Eve cinnamon rolls were legendary. In elementary school, Thelma was promoted ahead a grade due to her scholastic abilities. As a young teenager she won the Oklahoma state spelling bee championship. Because there was no national bee that year due to World War II, she did not have the opportunity to try her chances on the national stage. Every year, if prompted, Thelma would sit at the piano and play "Silent Night" from memory. It's the only time she touched the piano during the year, yet somehow she could always play it well. Thelma's innate curiosity meant that she enjoyed the travels she shared with her husband, which took them throughout the United States and on to Europe. Many of their journeys were in various types of campers. Thelma was an excellent secretary throughout her adult life. She worked many years at Youth Home, Inc., in Little Rock, Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, and UAMS, Little Rock. She attended college at University of Tulsa and later at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She and her husband are members of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. Special loving gratitude is extended to Thelma's husband, Wayne, who has loved and protected Thelma so well during her last illness of many years' duration, and to Stephanie Miyake and Lance Biggers, who provided much loving care and assistance to Thelma and Wayne. Remembrances may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.ArkansasCremation.com.