Effie celebrated her 90th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 26, with a family dinner! She was born to Benjamin and Lura Brooks Walters on Jan. 26, 1918 in Bidwell, Iowa. Effie married Curtis Mather on Feb. 15, 1936, in Ottumwa. He died in 1981. She worked at WT Grants Department Store and the Wine Art Store for many years. Effie is a devout member of Central Christian Church in Waterloo where she has been part of the same Sunday school class for over 55 years.

Her family includes:

Children: Byron "Curt" (Linda) Mather; and James Mather.

Grandchildren: Debbie (Mark) Renner; Byron (Dr. Vickie Trent) Mather Jr.; and Jimmy (Dana) Mather; Michelle Mather; and Benjamin (Kristen Schuknecht) Mather.

Great-grandchildren: Josh, Wesley and Daniel Renner; Curtis and Lucas Mather; and Dominic Mather.

Cards may be sent to Effie at 809 Hartman Ave., Waterloo 50701.