Romance novelist and Ironton native Catherine Toothman – also known as Cathleen Clare – has died.

Thursday, March 21, 2002

Romance novelist and Ironton native Catherine Toothman – also known as Cathleen Clare – has died.

Toothman passed away Sunday morning at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky. She was 55.

Toothman wrote such books as "Tournament of Hearts," "A Delectable Dilemma" and "Midwinter’s Bliss," first for Avon Regency Romances and then for Zebra Books. Her first book, "Mistress of Mishap" was published in 1992.

Tim Gearhart, owner of Tim’s News and Novelties, said Toothman was very popular locally.

"People were always asking if she had anything new out," he said. "She had a real strong following."

Ohio University Southern Library Specialist Carmeleeta Stewart worked with Toothman at the library before Toothman decided to devote herself to writing full-time.

"Cathy was very witty, very articulate. She was versatile," Stewart said. "She is going to be missed."

The university honored Toothman by naming its leisure reading collection after her.

Toothman is survived by her husband, J.R. "Bob" Toothman, and two children..