LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Thelma B. Klas upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate and
recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Nation
and Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Birthday of Thelma B. Klas of Allegany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Thelma B. Klas was born on February 24, 1914, in North Tona-
wanda, New York, to Walter and Clara Follick; she attended grade school
in Tonawanda, until her junior year when she moved to Delevan, New York;
and
WHEREAS, After graduating from high school in Delevan, New York, Thel-
ma B. Klas worked as a secretary to the commissioner's office for the
Cattaraugus County Welfare Department; a year later, she met and married
her first husband, Walter D. Barton, who worked for Metropolitan Life
Insurance in Olean, New York; the couple and their six children, Walter,
Gary, Timothy, Karen, Ann, and Emily, lived in Olean, New York; and
WHEREAS, After Walter's retirement in 1965, the couple moved to Alle-
gany, New York; they enjoyed each other's company, and spent the winters
together in Ormond Beach, Florida, until Walter passed away in 1979; and
WHEREAS, After the death of her first husband, Thelma met Norman Klas
while eating dinner at a restaurant with her daughter in Orchard Park,
New York; they married in 1981; unfortunately, Norman passed away two
years later in 1983; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her wonderful children, Thelma B. Klas has
been further blessed with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
and great-great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Thelma B. Klas enjoys going to garage sales, doing the
Jumbles Word Game in the OLEAN TIMES HERALD, feeding the squirrels in
her backyard, and watching "Fox News" and "The Price is Right;" she also
loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and attending
St. Bonaventure Church on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her smile, jubilance, and through the charm and wisdom which
comes only from fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor the lives of beloved citizens who have reached a remark-
able age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural
developments, and awesome achievements of this country during the last
century; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Thelma B. Klas upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thelma B. Klas.