LYDIA MORGAN THOMAS

Lydia Morgan Thomas, age 84, passed away at her residence in Centralia, Washington, on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, of (ALS) Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was a resident of Lewis County since 1957.

She was born on September 21, 1920 in Malad, Idaho, to Edmond and Catherine (Lewis) Morgan. She graduated from high school and went on to obtain her nursing degree in 1940 in Idaho Falls. She worked as a registered nurse for 35 years for Centralia General Hospital, serving as Director or Nursing for six years. In addition she took special training at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and became Centralia General’s first Anesthetist.

She married Horatio (Hershey) Spafford Thomas in 1963.

For several years, she managed the Lewis and Clark Hotel in Centralia, having obtained her certificate of management from LaSalle Institute.

She enjoyed spending time at her summer home in Malad, gardening and volunteering in her community. In 1989, she began researching records at Mountain View Cemetery, verifying them with the local mortuaries and purchasing head stones for hundreds of unmarked infant graves in the baby section of Mountain View. She financed her project over the years of making handmade quilts and selling them locally.

A strong woman with an indomitable spirit and unmistakable integrity, she will be missed. She was a member of the Centralia Ward of the LDS Church.

She is survived by her husband, Hershey, at home in Centralia; step-son David W. Thomas of Sumner, Washington; step-daughter, Rebecca Jo Thomas of Centralia; sister, Catherine Tovey of Herminston, Oregon; brothers, William B. Morgan of Missoula, Montana, Dr. Glen D. Morgan of Lewiston, Idaho, Edmond Morgan, Jr., of Moscow, Idaho, and Cleve Morgan of Soda Springs, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A cryptside service was held Tuesday, July 5, at the Mountain View Cemetery, Centralia, Washington. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary, Centralia, Washington.