Thelma (Schippers) Moore

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Thelma (Schippers) Moore, 89 of Branson.

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Thelma (Schippers) Moore, 89 of Branson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Thelma Ruth (Schippers) Moore was born in Colwich, Kansas on May 31, 1934.  She was the youngest child born to John & Teresa (Pauly) Schippers.  She was working for Beechcraft in Kansas when she met a young airman, Orval Moore, at a St. Patrick’s Days dance in Wichita.  She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and she became his wife on December 21, 1952 in Tulsa, OK. They ventured back to Taney County where Orval was from after getting married and Thelma quickly became a part of the community, embracing it as her true home.

Thelma was a hard-working and determined woman. She served as a cook and waitress for different cafes and restaurants in the heart of Branson.  She assisted in Dr. Gaines’ dental office, owned and operated the Grapevine Antique Store, and worked alongside Orval many years in their auctioneering business.

Thelma was also a woman of faith. She belonged to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, attending when she was able.

Thelma had a great confidence and independence.  Some might even say she was “headstrong”. She met adversity with grit and would take nothing and make it into something. She was industrious and creative, making the most of every opportunity.

Most of all, Thelma loved her family.  She will be deeply missed by her children, Rebecca Dalton of Branson and Ron Moore (Jaime) of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren, Sarah, Samantha, Kirbie, Cody and Allison; and her seven great-grandchildren, who were her joy. The rare and special bonds she shared with her granddaughters Samantha and Kirbie, and her great-grandchildren Brody and Stark, embodied the tenderness, love, and playful spirit that Thelma bestowed upon her family.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, John & Teresa Schippers; her husband Orval Moore; son, Russell Moore; son-in-law, Joe Dalton; and her fifteen brothers and sisters.

Thelma’s life was marked by her devout faith, her love of family, and her wisdom and determination.  Her life will be celebrated on Friday, April 12, 2024.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson with graveside services to follow at 2:00 p.m. in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Orval.