Thelma L. Land of Stratford, was born Dec. 14, 1916, in Rocky Chapel, Pontotoc County, to Leo and Amy (Chapman) Smith. She passed away Aug. 24, 2018, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 101 years, eight months and 10 days.

She grew up in the Vanoss area and graduated from Vanoss High School in 1935. She went on to East Central University, where she received her bachelor's degree in teaching. She taught at Hart in 1942-43; Pleasant Valley, Kansas, in 1948; 1951 to 1953 in Auburn, Kansas; 1944-45 in #3 Oklahoma, 1950 Sixmile; 1954 in New Hope; 1957 and the next 26 years in Perryton; and one year at Cross Roads. In all, she taught 37 years.

She married Claude Land on Aug. 26, 1945.

She loved teaching, gardening, quilting, writing poems and working in her flower beds. Most of all, she loved taking care of her grandkids.

Preceded by her parents, Leo and Amy Smith; husband Claude; sister, Reba Connally; and brothers Ottie and Joe Smith.

Survivors: one son Sammy Land and wife, Katy, of Amarillo, Texas; two daughters, Claudia Murry and husband, Dick, of Amarillo, and Janet Land of Stratford;

four grandkids; Gary, Richard, Amy and Kelly; four great-grandkids: Ali, Raylee, Kaden and Cale; and one great-great-grandkid, Blakelee Gillispie.

Graveside services: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Ada. Officiating: Bill Jones.