Atha Kathleen Sawyer, 97, of Sigourney and formerly of What Cheer died Monday, November 16, 2020. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Garrett Cemetery near Delta. No visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the What Cheer Fire & Rescue.

Atha Kathleen Sawyer was born November 20, 1922 to Roy and Gail Butler Claypool near North English, Iowa. In 1944, she enlisted in the WAVES during World War II. After completing basic training in Bronx, New York, she then served in Corpus Christi, Texas until her discharge on April 2, 1946.

After she returned home, she worked at a creamery in North English where she met Ronald Sawyer. Kathleen and Ron later united in marriage on his birthday, April 2, 1947. To this union came four children. The couple farmed for forty-seven years near What Cheer before moving to town. Kathleen loved to dance and would do so every week. In 2009, she moved to the Sigourney Care Center. Kathleen always enjoyed visits from her friends and family and going out to eat. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Order of Eastern Star.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald Sawyer (1999), a son, Wayne (1968); a daughter, Linda (2002); granddaughter, Samantha Kriegel (2018); and three sisters, Marian Claypool, Elna De Jordy, and Ardys Weber.

She is survived by a daughter, Roseanne (LaVerne) Kriegel; a son, Alan (Anita) Sawyer; grandchildren, Susan Kriegel Lint (Kyle), Sheila Kriegel (Jim Westphalen), Maria Kriegel, Josh (Brittney )Sawyer, Adam (Sophie) Sawyer; great grandchildren, Kelsey, Kaylee, and Elijah Lint, Jake and Josh Westphalen, Cameron, Adrian, and Levi Sawyer; great-great grandchildren, Hila Westphalen and several nieces and nephews.