Thelda Ruth Robbins Fortenberry, age 76, of Leavenworth, Kansas, formerly Columbia, MS, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

She grew up in rural Marion county and attended Bunker Hill Baptist Church.  She graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1962.  She attended William Carey University for two years and numerous other colleges during her life as a Navy Wife.

She and Henry C. (Chuck) Fortenberry were married December 19, 1964 at Bunker Hill Baptist Church.

Thelda and Chuck resided in Corpus Christi, TX, Key West, FL, Norfolk, VA, Lossimouth Scotland, Newport, RI, Burke, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Woodbridge VA, Columbia, MS and Leavenworth, KS.

Thelda had numerous jobs during her career as a Navy wife.  The most notable and her favorite was as a social worker in Prince William County, VA.  As much as she loved her work, her top priority was being a wife and mother. She considered it her highest calling.

Thelda loved making things with her hands.  She enjoyed painting, quilting and other stitchery things and was very good at them all.  She attended numerous churches over her lifetime and taught numerous children's classes, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Thelda is survived by her husband of 56 years, Chuck Fortenberry of Leavenworth Kansas; Daughter Kristin Hathaway (Eric) of Leavenworth, Kansas; Grandchildren Katee Affeldt (Kyle) of Leavenworth, Kansas; Logan Hathaway, Ben Hathaway, Hannah Hathaway and Nate Hathaway, all of Leavenworth Kansas; Great granddaughter Story Affeldt of Leavenworth, Kansas; Sister, Doris Broom (Terrell)  of Columbia, MS.  She has numerous nieces and nephews around the country.

Thelda was predeceased by her parents Mason and Lucille Robbins; nephew Troy Broom and her in-laws Reece and Willie Fortenberry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Deeper Window Association. Donations can be made by check to The Deeper Window Association, 729 Pennsylvania Street Leavenworth, KS 66048, or via PayPal at info@deeperwindowassociation.org.

A service will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10 AM at Davis Funeral Chapel in Leavenworth, Kansas.  Burial will be in Leavenworth National Cemetery.  Visitation will be 30 mins prior to the service.

A memorial service will be held in Columbia, MS at a later date.

Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth Kansas, is in charge of arrangements.