The Superior Express -

On Dec. 30, 1919, in the country north of Downs, Kansas, in Smith County, Alethia Loomis was born. She has lived in Jewell County since the late 40s.

When growing up, Alethia rode the bus which was a box with three rows of benches mounted on a Ford chassis to school at Athens. Her favorite memory of when she was younger was riding her horse to school. Alethia finished school and normal school training and became a teacher at Elm Creek followed by teaching at Green Valley.

At a skating party, Alethia's eye was drawn to an Ionia boy, Clarence Loomis. The year WWII ended, Alethia and Clarence married. They lived in Carl Loomis' house with their new baby, Sharron. Sharron now lives in Kansas City.

Lester Boyles and Clarence went into business together doing electrical and plumbing work. This brought on the formation of L&B Electric, which opened shop on Commercial Street in Mankato. The Loomis' soon were able to build a house on a lot at 214 E. Hamilton, on which a cow inhabited. The home was built with lumber that came from three rural schools that had been torn down. The Loomis family grew by one in the new home when their son, Marvin, was born. Marvin is still a Jewell County resident.

Alethia Loomis

In 2015, Alethia was honored for her 60 years as a member of the P.E.O. where she received a certificate from the International P.E.O. organization. She also received a bouquet of flowers for her long membership. Last summer, the Mankato 150th Parade honored Alethia.

Alethia and Clarence were active in many clubs in Mankato throughout the mid-80s when Clarence died unexpectedly. Alethia didn't stop though. She kept L&B Electric open. Keeping the company open was made possible with help from family and many friends.

During her retirement, Alethia kept busy with her family and many activities around Mankato. Some of these activities were playing cards, Garden Club, church events and birthday girls lunches. Alethia still keeps busy around the house at the young age of 103.