CHETOPA — Theda M. Wilson, 88, of Chetopa died at 10:45 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2011, at Chetopa Manor. She had been in failing health.

She was born on Dec. 21, 1922, in Craig County, Okla., to Clinton O. and Anna (Gail) Wilson. She attended Watson and Blackberry elementary schools and was a graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont. She then attended Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

She taught in rural schools and elementary schools in Oswego, Chetopa and Coffeyville before retiring after 47 years of service in 1987.

Survivors include a brother, Ray Wilson of Chetopa; and a niece, Katherine Nixon of Shell Knob, Mo.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Merwin Wilson; a sister, Gail Cunningham; and a nephew, Donald Ray Wilson.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Lake Creek Cemetery near Bartlett. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Chetopa United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.