Ortha Kathryn Elrod, 95, Thayer, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 at the Elm Haven West Nursing Home in Parsons.

Ortha was born in rural Thayer on August 7, 1913, the daughter of Ray and Mary Harms Adams. She graduated from Thayer High School.

She was united in marriage to Truman P. Elrod on May 27, 1932 in Oswego. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1999.

She was a homemaker.

Ortha was a member of the Thayer United Methodist Church and the Friday Reading Club.

Ortha is survived by two sons, Darold Elrod, rural Chanute, and Duane Elrod, rural Erie; a daughter, Carolyn Reece, Garden Ridge, Texas; nine grandchildren, Kevin Elrod, Sandy Erbe, Melissa Elrod, Jeff Reece, Brad Reece, Lisa Elrod, Kurtis Elrod, Terry Horton and Jeff Horton; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Truman; and a sister, Velma Kuntz, Parsons.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Thayer United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Thayer Cemetery.

She will lie in state on today from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Thayer United Methodist Church and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.