Thelma J. Swails, age 86, died Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at her home in Ulysses, Kansas. She was born June 14, 1935, in Mechanicsville, Virginia, the daughter of Thomas and Myrtle (Pitts) Bowles.

Thelma grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia, where she graduated high school. She married James Lamar “Jim” Swails on November 6, 1954. Thelma traveled the world with her husband as he served in the United States Air Force; including Okinawa and Spain. She loved to tend her flower gardens, and was always ready to cook. She was well known for her cooking. Thelma treasured time with her family, children, and grandchildren and it was a top priority for her. She was also very involved in the church and enjoyed teaching Bible School.

Thelma is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Baldwin and husband Warren of Ulysses, and Patricia Grigg and husband Troy of Hartsville, South Carolina; sister, Joyce Dunkum of King William, Virginia; four grandchildren, Wesley Baldwin and wife Megan, Dainya Grigg, Jenny Baldwin Tipton and husband Matt, and Kristen Baldwin Turner and husband Jacob; and three great-grandchildren, Easton Baldwin, William Tipton, and Addison Baldwin.  

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Myrtle Bowles; husband, Jim Swails; and seven siblings.

Funeral service will be Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Ulysses Church of Christ with Minister Warren Baldwin and Wesley Baldwin officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Alford Cemetery in Alford, Florida. Visitation is Friday, February 25, 2022, with family present from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Leadership Training for Christ in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.