Margaret Elizabeth (Thornton) Howard Kimes, 96, of Ironton, passed away at home and went to be with her Lord on Sept. 5, 2011, after an extended illness.

The Ironton native was born on Aug.10, 1915. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mart and Mary Dilley Thornton of Kitts Hill.

She was a graduate of Kitts Hill High School and lived almost her entire life in the Ironton area.  Margaret was a member for over fifty years at Central Christian Church and taught Sunday School for many years as well.  An avid painter with many blue ribbons for her artistry, she was a longstanding member of the Ironton Artists’ Association and in fact served as the first president.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Howard; her second husband, Alfred Kimes; sisters, Marie McKee, Mabel Childers, Hannah Lee Kiser; a brother, Bill Thornton; her son, Donald Howard and grandson, Darrell Heaberlin.

She is survived by her children, Ray (Marilyn) Howard, Mart (Genevieve) Howard, Agnes (Wayne) Heaberlin, Jim (Linda) Howard, Ruth (Buck) Browning; daughter-in-law, Joyce (Don, deceased) Howard, Linda (John) Redmond and an honorary daughter, Norma Turner – all of the surrounding Tri-State area, and her longtime close friend, Laverne Thomas of Columbus.

Margaret was the proud grandmother of 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home in Ironton with Minister Hoyt Allen officiating.  Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. prior to the service.  Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the wonderful caregivers who provided such excellent care and respite for the past two years – most notably, Debbie Scott; you all became a part of our extended family and we are so grateful for the time you spent with her. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Donations may be made to Central Christian Church 1541 S. Seventh St., Ironton. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.