Thelma Autenrieth, 99, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at a Topeka care facility. She was born June 7, 1924 in Webster (Rooks County) Kansas, the daughter of Guy and Bessie (Adams) Dunning.
Thelma married Ernest Autenrieth on July 1, 1944 in Denver, Colorado. He preceded her in death July 1982. She was also preceded in death by their son, Charles Michael Autenrieth and her step-brother Randy (Delaine) Dunning.
Also preceding her in death were the three youngest Dunning siblings who were adopted-out after their mother died in childbirth during the impoverished times of the Great Depression: Alberta Mae (Peggy Carson Yarbrough), Guy Denzil (David Diehl) and Otto Lee (Bright). Decades later the five siblings were briefly reunited.
Survivors include children, Ricky (Carol) Autenrieth of Elk Grove, California, Linda (Marc) Baraban of Topeka, grandchildren Jennie (Michael) Baucom, Daniel (Amber) Autenrieth, David (Karina) Autenrieth and Ryan (Emily) Autenrieth, Alex, Ashlee and Blake Baraban and six great-grandchildren. Her brother Charles Dunning, 97, of Arkansas survives as well as half-brother Guy Dunning, Junior and step-sister Debra Dunning Young, both of Colorado.
It's no secret that Christmas was Thelma's favorite time of the year. She baked mountains of cookies, knit slippers for all the extended family, whipped up dresses at the last minute for the nieces to wear to Christmas programs. Thelma loved the holiday and all its trappings. She was famous for her beautifully decorated Christmas trees and packages. So, it seems fitting that the night of December 16th, in a room lit by a small Christmas tree, classic Christmas carols softly playing, with a little grin on her face, Thelma passed on peacefully surrounded by family.
A private graveside inurnment service will take place in June on her 100th birthday in Fort Logan Cemetery, Denver Colorado next to her husband, Ernest.
Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements. To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
In lieu of flowers please honor Thelma's memory by contributing to your local Christmas charity or toy drive.