TOPEKA, Kan. – Thelma Jean Pollom, 88, passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. She was born April 6, 1937, in Olivet, Kan., the daughter of William and Marjorie (Calkins) Neilson.
Thelma grew up in Olivet, where she graduated from Olivet High School in 1955. She had lived in Topeka for more than 63 years.
Thelma had worked as an administrative assistant for most of her career, and had retired from the Kansas Dental Association. She had been a member of Fairlawn Heights Church.
Thelma was married to Larry Sedgwick. He preceded her in death in 1979. Thelma was married to James Pollom in 1988, and he preceded her in death in 2014.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, William and Marjorie; brother, Bud Neilson; sister, Mildred Traw; and a granddaughter, Kelsey Smith.
Thelma is survived by her two children, Kathy Sandstrom and Ken (Sally) Sedgwick, all of Topeka; two stepchildren, Russell (Janell) Pollom, Spring Hill, Kan., and Jamie (Jim) Botts, Stilwell, Kan.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and inurnment will be in the Alpine Cemetery on the north side of Melvern Lake. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
