Ruth Thone, wife of former Gov. Charley Thone, dies at 86

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The wife of former Nebraska Gov. Charley Thone has died less than two months after his death.

Kerry Fangman with Roper & Sons said Friday that Ruth Thone died Thursday in Lincoln at the age of 86. Charley Thone, who also served in Congress, died March 7.

She was a supporter of humanitarian causes, including civil rights and care for the needy. She also was a writer who earned a journalism degree and wrote three books and articles for several newspapers.

Then Ruth Raymond, she met her Charley Thone in 1952 when she was editor of the University of Nebraska’s student newspaper and he was working in the attorney general’s office. They wed in 1953.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that Ruth Thone’s “candid spirit brought joy to many.”