Mildred Mathis

Mildred Mathis was an easygoing lady who enjoyed the comforts of a simple and honest lifestyle. She was perfectly happy spending time with her loved ones and didn’t need thousands of flashy distractions in her life. Mildred spent her life working tirelessly both inside and outside her home, but was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life.

1915 was a historic year for technology in the United States. While many Americans were finding work in the newly industrialized nation, Henry Ford was celebrating the completion of the one millionth Ford to roll off the assembly lines in Detroit, Michigan. Meanwhile, across the ocean, nations waited in fear as a German submarine sank the British ocean liner, the Lusitanian, killing over 1,000 passengers. For Frank and Lula Tate of Buckner, Illinois, however, the most memorable event of the year was the birth of their daughter, Mildred, on July 15, 1915. Mildred and her sisters, Eulon and Lilian, spent their growing up years in the small village of Buckner in Franklin County, Illinois. She received her formal education in the area schools and graduated from Benton High School in 1933.

Upon graduating, a wonderful thing happened to Mildred – she met her future husband, Leo Mathis. The young couple was wed and then moved to the Plainwell area to begin their new life together. It wasn’t long before the Mathis family grew to three with the birth of their son, Leonard. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Mildred also worked outside the home. After moving to Plainwell, Mildred found work at the local paper mill but later pursued her beauty license and worked as a beautician in the 1960s. With one more career change in 1973, Mildred took a job as a clerk at the Dime Store in Otsego, where she remained until 1992.

When not working, Mildred also found time for leisure activities. An avid bowler, Mildred enjoyed participating in morning and evening leagues. Golfing was another of her favorite pursuits. So much so, that the same year she was pregnant with Leo, she won the club tournament at Eagle Creek, also known as Otwell-egan. Leo also enjoyed golfing and together they participated on husband and wife leagues. While Leo was a member of the Masonic Eastern Star, Mildred was a lifetime member of Eastern Star and at one time held the highest position in this fraternity. She was also a member of the Plainwell United Methodist Church.

After losing her beloved Leo, Mildred continued to live independently well into her 80s. Besides cooking, cleaning and doing her own shopping, Mildred had no qualms of jumping in the car and driving to Illinois by herself to visit with family. A talented seamstress, Mildred could fix just about any sewing problem that there was. It was not Mildred’s nature to share her thoughts and opinions with others. She was a loving woman who always put other’s first. Although she was quiet and private most of the time, she could always be counted on to help others in need. At the age of 86, Mildred finally conceded to move to the William Crispe Home and Life Care, where she received wonderful care until her passing.

Mildred Mathis of Plainwell, died on Friday, May 21, 2004. Her family includes her son, Leonard and Karen Mathis of Plainwell; sister, Eulon Roach, of Logan; and granddaughters, Lauren and Jenna Mathis of Plainwell. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Mathis, and sister, Lilian Glenn of Benton.

Learn more about Mildred, view her life story film, and visit with her family on Saturday, May 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. Visitation will also be held on Monday, May 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton, IL, with a graveside service following at Logan City Cemetery in Logan, IL. Please visit Mildred’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to William Crispe Senior Home.

Mildred was a lady, in every sense of the word, who brought smiles and happiness to many throughout her life. She will be deeply missed.