Clara N. Thomas

Clara Thomas, 89, dies

The funeral for Clara N. Thomas, 89, who died Aug 13, was Wednesday at the Peet Mortuary Chapel.

She was born on the family farm near Schuyler, Neb., Oct. 29, 1888. She was the eldest of seven children born to Malter and Martha Lohr Larson. In February 1889, when Clara was three months old, the family moved to what is now Niobrara County and built a home seven miles east of Lusk.

Clara's formal education began when she was 8-years-old and for two years she rode a horse three miles to attend school in the Node vicinity. A school was then built near the family home where she finished her elementary education. School started in April and lasted six months. She attended high school in Manville. During the nine month school term she was able to return home only for a few holidays. At the end of two years of high school she passed the exam required to certify her as a rural teacher and at 17 started teaching at Boxelder, Wyo. She attended tcacher normal school in Alliance, Neb., and continued teaching in
eastern Wyoming.

June 11,1911, Clara married Samuel E. Thomas in her parents home. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Samuel M., Lawrence Milton and Marguerite.

From 1937 until 1945 the family lived on the Sam Thomas Sr. ranch in western Nebraska and from there moved to Lusk. Here Clara joined the Congregational Church and was an active member of the Church Circle. She also joined the home extension club and was an officer for many years.

She is survived by a son, Lawrence M. of Lafayette, Colo.; a daughter, Mrs. Marvin (Marguerite) Davies of Lusk; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, Cecil Montgomery of Torrington and Geneva McConohey of Borger, Tex.

She was preceded in dealth by her husband, Samuel E. Thomas and her son, Samuel M. Thomas.

Officiating at the funeral was the Rev. Frank Blish. Music was provided by Jane Bardo, organist, and Joy Kaltenheuser, soloist. Songs were "My Jesus, As Thou Wilt" and "The Lord Is My Shepherd."

Pallbearers were Terry Larson, Lauren Walker, Noal Larson, Doyle Davies, Malter Larson and Jack Larson.

Interment was at the Lusk Cemetery.

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