07/16/1998
Atha (Kincaid) Crist was born to John Burton and Velta Olive Bingaman Kincaid near Columbia, Iowa,
March 5, 1920. She died July 16, 1998, at the Lucas County Health
Center in Chariton.
Atha taught school for a short time, then moved to Chariton. She
worked as a bookkeeper at the Hy-Vee office where she met Kenneth Crist (1918 – 1991).
They married on Sept. 11, 1948. Two children were born into this union,
Ron Crist of Titusville, Fla., and Marlys Polson of Leawood, Kan. Atha
enjoyed spending time with her family, including many trips to Colorado.
Atha was also very active in the community. She was a member of PEO
and helped organize Chapter OS in 1992. With Ken, she was active in
Rotary at the local and district levels and in international projects
such as organizing efforts to provide ambulances and other medical
equipment to Guatemala.
Atha’s involvement in other community organizations included the
hospital auxiliary, Chariton Chamber and Development Corporation, and
the Lucas County Historical Society, where she was a member of the
board.
She also participated in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program,
volunteering at Northridge and delivering meals. Atha was a very active
member of the First United Methodist Church. Some of her favorite
pastimes included horseback riding, ski trips with Ken, visits with her
family and activities such as bridge and book club with friends.
After Ken’s death, Atha worked with the Chamber and Rotary to
establish the Ken Crist Memorial Scholarship to offer financial
assistance to local high school graduates who have shown a genuine
interest in their community, school, and/or church.
Atha is survived by her two children; six grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; two sisters, Vera Louise Noah, and Ruth Brogden; one brother,
Virgil Kincaid; and her mother, Velta Kincaid.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 20, at the
First United Methodist Church in Chariton with Pastor Gary DeGeest
officiating.
Bearers were Bud Schumann, Doug Noah, Jim Meyer, Ray
Meyer, John Noah, and Jeff Netzeband. Honorary bearers were Vernon
Scott, Eddy Meyer, Dick Threlkeld, Tom Jones, and Lloyd Mullins.
Memorial may be made to the Ken and Atha Crist Memorial Scholarship or
to the First United Methodist Church. Fielding Funeral Home was in
charge of arrangements.