Katie Jones Von Thaer

Katie Jones Von Thaer, 95, died April 29, 2007 at the home of her niece, Kathryn Bechtel Watterson in Chagrin Falls, where she had resided for the past 16 months. Mrs. Von Thaer was born in Ystalyfera, Wales. She came to America at age 11 with her mother, two sisters and brother. Her father had emigrated earlier. A graduate of Champion High School, she began her advanced education at the Warren Normal School. She earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education from Kent State University. In 1941 she married Bernard T. Von Thaer. The couple shared 60 years of happy marriage until Mr. Von Thaer’s death in 2001. Katie taught in Warren City schools for 44 years-as an elementary school teacher, principal and as Supervisor of Primary Education. She was a life member of the National Education Association, the Ohio Retired Teachers and the Trumbull Area Reading Council, and was a member of the former Warren Story League. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, the First United Church of Christ and the Gymanfa Ganu Welsh Society. She was chosen Warren Woman of the Year in 1969, was a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, and was awarded the Education Award from the Freedoms Foundation. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Rosina Jones, her brother Jack, sisters Rosina Housley and Mavis Bechtel, a nephew I. William Bechtel and her beloved husband. Surviving are her nieces and nephews and their families: Dr. Donald Housley(Grace), Dr. Thomas Housley (Peggy), Timothy Housley (Kathleen), Judith Brandi (Lee), Kathryn Watterson (James), Diane Wallin (James) and William P. Bechtel, a half sister Margaret Lathorpe, 3 God-children: John Torrance, Sherri Hernan Kennedy, and Megan Hawkins and cousins in Wales and Canada. Mourning her loss as well are the devoted nieces and nephews of Bernard Von Thaer and their extended families who warmly welcomed Katie into the Von Thaer clan. She leaves also a host of friends, colleagues, and former students. A memorial service will be 1:00 PM Thursday May 3, 2007 at Roberts-Clark Chapel with the Rev. D. Gene Kraus of the First United Church of Christ officiating. Burial has taken place at the Girard City Cemetery. Those wishing to make a contribution in Katie’s name may do so to the Trumbull Area Reading Council Scholarship Fund, c/o/Patrick Finney, Treas. 205 Mansell Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505.