She was born November 27, 1918, in Sharpe, Coffey County, Kansas to William R. Laughery and Anna Stuckey Laughery. She grew up on the family farm in Sharpe and attended schools in the area. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1936. She attended a business college and during World War II, she worked at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, doing secretarial work. She worked in the legal department for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where she met her future husband.

On September 22, 1951, she married Henry A. Traue in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He passed away October 24, 1982. In 1962, Latha and Henry moved to Idaho Falls where Henry worked for Phillips Petroleum at the INEL.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed playing bridge, playing the piano, music, sewing, and gardening. She loved traveling with her husband in their R.V. and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by the following: son, Bill (Colleen) Traue of Idaho Falls granddaughters: Carly (Justin) Riley of El Paso, Texas; and Allison Traue of Idaho Falls grandsons: Kyle and Drew Traue of Idaho Falls

She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters, and her brother.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 30, 2006, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls with her son, Bill Traue, officiating. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.