Native of Deshler area trained thoroughbred horses for racing

9/5/2004

DESHLER, Ohio - Nancy Jane Booth, 67, who raised and trained thoroughbred race horses, died of cancer Friday in Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green, after a long bout with the illness.

"She loved the horses and loved working with them. She got a lot of enjoyment out of it," her son, David Booth, said. "[But] after she retired, the two most important things for her were her grandchildren and her church."

A native of the Deshler area and a Deshler High School graduate, Mrs. Booth married Myrl Booth in 1959 in Covington, Ky. They later moved to Newell, W.Va. They raised and trained horses nearby at Mountaineer Park, Chester, W.Va., until the late 1980s, when they retired and moved back to Deshler.

She was a committeeman for the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

In retirement, Mrs. Booth enjoyed bingo, bowling, and going to the horse races, Cheryl Booth, her stepdaughter-in-law, said.

Mrs. Booth was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Deshler and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Surviving are her husband, Myrl Booth; son, David Booth; stepson, William "Bill" Booth; stepdaughter, Barbara Shoemaker; sister, Norma Boyer; eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Friends may call after 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Hanneman Family Funeral Home's Deshler Chapel, where services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The family suggests tributes to Deshler Emergency Medical Service or St. Paul's United Methodist Church.