Though Barton County lost a great benefactor when Thelma Faye Harms passed away in 1981, her commitment and generosity has provided a lasting memorial to the community in which she lived for 62 years. Mrs. Harms and her first husband, John Spencer, owned and operated Spencer Office Supply Company. Following Mr. Spencer's death, she continued to run the business. She then married Herbert Harms and worked with him in his successful oil and farming operation.

During her lifetime, Mrs. Harms established a scholarship trust at Barton to assist deserving students at the College. To perpetuate the good works of organizations she supported, she made arrangements for her trusted advisors-her banker and her accountant-to continue her good works after her death. The Thelma Faye Harms Charitable Trust and the Harms Scholarship Trust continue to assist the College by improving the lives of students.

Bank of America and George Drake, CPA, serving as trustees, have distributed more than $400,000 to Barton County Community College over the past 20 years for projects which reflect Mrs. Harms' love for her community.

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