Thelma Provance

1940 - 2025

Thelma Jean (Burkey) Provance was born on June 21, 1940, in Gering, Nebraska. She passed away on September 30, 2025, in Chadron, Nebraska, at the age of 85.

Thelma was the youngest child of Myron and Inez Burkey, with two older brothers, Melvin and Galen, and an older sister, Irene. It was through Irene's friendship with Bonnie Provance that Thelma met her future husband, Larry, on a blind date. They fell in love and married in 1959, celebrating 66 years of marriage. Together, they had three children: Valorie, Nanette, and Michael.

After working as a secretary, Thelma devoted herself to her family, creating a warm home filled with homemade dinners, cookies, breads, pies, and cakes. Her faith was central to her life, and she was actively involved with her church, teaching Sunday School and youth group, and playing the piano. As her children grew older, Thelma worked at the Scottsbluff middle school cafeteria until the family moved to Chadron. In 1984, she and Larry purchased Arrow Building Center, which became their pride and joy. Thelma continued to work there until her health prompted her retirement.

An avid gardener, Thelma was known for her beautiful garden, which won the Garden of the Week award twice from the City of Chadron. She was also known for her crafts and decorations for church activities.

Thelma is survived by her children, Valorie (Robert) Cowan, Nanette (Scott) Swanson, and Michael Provance. She was a proud grandmother to Chad (Amy) Cowan, Jeremy Cowan, Stephanie (Aaron) Roach, Paige (Jonathan) Roohy, Payton Swanson, and Xander Provance, and a great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren: Brennya, Brianna, Adrian, Blake, Boston, Aspyn, and Jonathan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jane Burkey, as well as many nieces and nephews and special friends Junice and John Dagen.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry, daughter-in-law Dawn Provance, her brothers Melvin (Phyllis) and Galen Burkey, her sister Irene Albertson, her parents, and sisters-in-law Bonnie (Vic) and Sharon Guthrie.

Her Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Chadron with Pastor Russ Segar officiating. Private family inurnment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chadron Fire Department. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dugankramer.com for the Provance family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with services.