Thelma Salsman Larrabee

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

The light of our house, Thelma Salsman Larrabee, joined her husband and son in heaven on June 1st, 2026. She went with the Lord at the age of 88 while in the loving embrace of her three surviving children.

Thelma’s life began as one of 12 siblings on a farm in rural Pennsylvania where she met her husband, Dick Larrabee. Over the years, the couple started a family and moved to Minnesota before settling down in Durham, North Carolina.

Thelma was a talented craftswoman who showed her love through her artistry. She donated her gifts and time to make lap quilts for the elderly, hats for newborn babies, and dolls and clothes for children in need around the world. Her crafts provided warmth and joy to all who were blessed to use them. Family and friends would flock to her for advice and help on sewing projects, which she always graciously provided. When Thelma wasn’t sewing, she found happiness in attending church, tending to her garden, taking walks and completing puzzles. Above all else, she fiercely loved her family, her country, and her Father in heaven.

In addition to her parents, Thelma is also preceded in death by husband, Richard “Dick” Larrabee and their son Mike Larabee; brothers, Harold Salsman and Robert Salsman; sisters, Louise Ditchburn, Freda Sledge and Lila Smith.

She is survived by sons, Bob Larrabee and wife Lori of Wake Forest, NC, and Richard Larrabee, Jr. and wife Bridget of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Pam L. Upchurch and husband Jeffery of Stem, NC; daughter-in-law, Lynn Larrabee; brothers, Sonny Salsman and wife Irene and Glenn Salsman; sisters, Marge Bahr and husband Cubby, Nancy Vargason, Mick Adams and Leitha Robinson, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fletchers Chapel United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Officiating will be Rev. Clarence Parrish.

Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made in Thelma’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse at the link below.