Thelma Irene Cox

Thelma Irene Gleason Cox, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026 at her home in Wray, Colorado. Her life began on October 25, 1933 in Eckley, Colorado, she was the middle of three children born to Wilbur and Senora Peyette Gleason. She married Arvie Cox on February 12, 1999 in Wray, Colorado.

She was never one to sit still and she used her energy to care for those around her. She worked at Cedardale Health Care Centre in Wray, Colorado and fed her community through Big Reds Cafe and several other restaurants in Wray, Colorado.

Anyone who entered Thelma’s home was instantly family and no one left hungry; she always had homemade pies, sweets, and iced tea ready for visitors. When she wasn’t making her famous strawberry rhubarb pie, she was tending to her vegetable garden and flower beds, crocheting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Thelma will be remembered as a selfless woman of incredible strength whose love and care made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Ilene and Helen Gleason; her son, Steve DeLand; and her husband, Arvie Cox. She is survived by her sons, Don and Larry DeLand; her daughter-in-law, Paula DeLand; her grandchildren, Dustin, Devin, Charity, Cooper, Aaron, Rope, and Skeeter; and many great-grandchildren.