William Howard Atha

William Howard Atha, age 58, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2012, after a year-long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was born in Marietta, Ohio, on June 4, 1954, and was a graduate of Worthington High School. He then attended West Point Military Preparatory School, and he served our country in the US Army from 1972-1974. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Communication. Bill was a 4th generation independent oil and gas producer and a member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. He was active in his ALS support group, and he was a member of Central College Presbyterian Church and the Medallion Golf Club. He enjoyed fishing, boating, golf and reading. Bill loved to laugh, and even through his illness, he had a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook. Bill is survived by his wife, Julia Atha; daughters, Chelsea and McKenzie Atha (Stephen Montemarano); mother, Yvonne Atha; siblings, David (Gay) Atha, Richard Atha, Nancy (Joe) Melville, Thomas (Cindi) Atha, and Robert (Carol) Atha; siblings-in-law, Charles Gall, Michael Gall, Marcia Crites (Steve Lawrence), Ken (Ann) Gall, Ron (Sandy) Gall, and Joanne (Mark) Salyer; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Atha. Family will receive friends at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., on Wednesday, August 22, from 6-8 p.m., and also on Thursday, August 23, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville. Entombment will follow at Northlawn Memory Gardens. Contributions in Bill’s name can be made to the ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Bill.