Thelma Harlan Lape, daughter of the late Marion F. Harlan and Chloe Ross Harlan was born on December 23, 1923 at Grayridge and departed this life in her residence at Dexter on August 30, 2013 at the age of 89.

 Mrs. Lape was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, had been a teacher for thirty one years, retiring in 1973. She was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association and a resident of Dexter.

She was united in marriage to Leo R. Lape on November 29, 1941 at Benton.  Mr. Lape preceded her in death on February 15, 1995.

She is survived by one sister, Elma Harlan Brown of Dexter: by seven nieces, Verna G. Tyler of Redmond, Washington, Laquitta Herren of Venice, Florida, Jennifer Bowman of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Toni Hoobler of Livonia, Michigan, Brenda Lowe of McQueeney, Texas, Helen Martin and Karen Davis both of St. Charles: by four nephews, Ronald Harlan of Birmingham, Alabama, Bob Shearon of Cincinnati, Ohio, Lorin Vaughn of West Plains and Larry Vaughn of Ste. Genevieve.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Edmond Harlan, Hollis Harlan, Alvin Harlan,  Sonny Harlan and Oliver Harlan: by three sisters, Bertha Vaughn, Mabel Shearon and Maxine Harlan.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 3, 2013.  Funeral services will then be conducted at 3:00 P.M. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Rich Lee officiating.  Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Tri-County Hospice.