Aletha Fisher

Aletha J. Fisher, age 80, of Lancaster, died Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at the Lancaster Care Center. She was born June 1, 1933, in Black River Falls, the daughter of Floyd and Pearl (Wells) Goodenough. After the premature death of her mother, she was raised from the age of two by Norm and Lura Drew of Lancaster. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1951. On January 24, 1953, she married Edward Welsh of Bloomington, where they farmed until moving to Lancaster in 1962. On June 10, 1968, she married former classmate Walter Sager of Lancaster, where they owned and operated Wallys Inn for 18 years. On February 26, 1990, she married John Fisher of Lancaster. Aletha had many interests, and a life that wasnt always conventional. Being raised in a family that owned a motorcycle dealership, Aletha had her own bike. A teenaged girl buzzing around town on a Harley Davidson back in the 1940s and 50s must have been quite a sight. Aletha was an accomplished painter, whose beautiful oil landscapes grace the homes of her family. She enjoyed reading (especially about regional history), following politics, and having good laughs with her family. Aletha was an animal lover and bird watcher. She dearly appreciated nature and felt lucky to live in a part of the country that had the special offerings of four different seasons.

Survivors include four children, Luanne (David) Schurman of Visalia, Cal., Pam and Randall Welsh of Lancaster, and William Bill (Vivian) Welsh of Livingston; five grandsons, Terry, Eric, Shaun, Brett, and Dylan; one granddaughter; one brother, Max Drew of Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both sets of parents; two husbands, Walter Sager and John Fisher; a son, Tim Welsh in 1986; and a brother, Jack Drew.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013, at Martin Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lancaster with Pastor Cook officiating. Visitation was from 1 P.M. until time of services on Friday. Burial was at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation at  www.sclerodermaresearch.org.