A Sorrow to All
Mrs. J. M. "Etta" Thomas

Seldom does death produce such a shock as was caused by news yesterday that 
Mrs. J. M. Thomas had snapped life's thread, at her home south of Bishop.

The death of her mother, Mrs. Shirley, a few months ago, was deeply mourned 
by her.  This, illness of her own, and other contributing causes, produced 
a mental condition that turned her thoughts toward the grave.  Her distress 
and despondency were realized, and so far as it was possible steps were 
taken for her safety.

Yesterday she seemed more cheerful than usual, and after lunch accompanied 
her husband in a stroll around the place.  After discussing different 
matters, she told Mr. Thomas that she had a headache and would go back to 
the house with their little son, aged about five years.  He assented, and 
went on to attend to other duties.  Miss DeChambeau, living with them, saw 
Mrs. Thomas start up a ladder on a high haystack, and started to call Mr. 
Thomas.  Before she could accomplish anything, Mrs. Thomas had gained the 
top of the stack and leaped off, falling probably more than thirty feet.  
Her face and chest struck the ground first, and her neck was broken.  Dr. 
Shute lost no time getting there in his auto, but neither medical skill, 
the agonized grief of her husband, nor what other might do could avail 
anything after that fatal plunge.  

In thinking and speaking of her as "Etta" Thomas, as many, acquaintances do, 
there is no atom of disrespect, but the friendship of those who have known 
her from childhood.  The modest girl, faithful to every duty that came to 
her, grew into the womanly woman of high character, in whom were combined 
capability, unflagging energy, and the best that she could give to every 
matter in which her interest and sympathy were enlisted.  She was Past 
Matron of Mt. Whitney Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and one of its most 
efficient and popular members; and her membership and officership in the 
Woman's Relief Corps deserves equal commendation.

All her acquaintances were her friends, and all deeply deplore her death, 
and sympathize with the stricken husband and relatives.  Mrs. Thomas was a 
sister of A. A. Shirley, of Bishop, Mrs. Fred Grob and Miss Maud Shirley, 
of Reno, and Mrs. E. C. Bingham and W. S. Shirley, of Spokane.

Miss Shirley had been very ill in Reno, and it is reported that she and Mrs. 
Grob are quarantined there because of diphtheria.

The Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, September 30, 1909
Transcribed by Pat Houser for Inyo County GenWeb, December 31, 2004