Atha Josephine Boothe Thomas was born July 26, 1906 and met her maker on May 9, 1999. She was the oldest daughter of William and Mary Grimes Boothe. She was born on a farm in Lucas County in Pleasant Township. She moved, in 1918, with her parents to a farm south of Chariton. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1925 and started teaching that fall. She taught seven years in Wayne and Lucas Counties.

In 1931 she married George Thomas. To this union three children were born, Gerald, Roger and Carol. In 1954 she started teaching again and taught for five years. She then worked in the Gross Galesburg clothing factory for twelve years.

Altha was a member and officer of the Pythian Sisters and was very active in the Democratic Party, serving as president of the Democratic Womens' Club for six years.

In her final years, she enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and greatly enjoyed traveling when the opportunity arose.

Atha was preceded in death by her husband George.

Surviving are son Gerald and his wife Gloria of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; son Roger of South Lake Tahoe, Ca.; and daughter Carol and husband Joe Stroud of rural Lucas,; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. They will all miss her very much.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 12, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chariton Cemetery. Rev. Bill Kerns officiated.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chariton Public Library.

Mosher Funeral Homein Chariton, Ia. handled the arrangements.