Surnames: Mathis, Countryman, Goembel, Rosekrans, Scheel

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Friday, 21 Nov. 2008

Mathis, Anita Sylvia (21 May 1916 - 10 Nov. 2008)

Anita Sylvia (Countryman) Mathis, 92, of Neillsville, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Hospice in Neillsville.

A memorial celebration of her wonderful life will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Neillsville United Church of Christ on East Second Street.

Visitation will take place at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Anita was born May 21, 1916, in Hooppole, Ill., to William and Sylvia (Goembel) Countryman. She attended and graduated from Hooppole schools. She married the love of her life, Edison Howard Mathis, in 1938.

She was a dedicated farm wife and mom first in Hooppole and then in Neillsville where the family moved in 1959. Anita worked for the Doctors Sara and Milton Rosekrans and also Herb and Gen Scheel at the Merchants Hotel. She later became a reporter at the Clark County Press. Her love of music was always present. She spent many hours teaching numerous children's choirs in both Illinois and in Neillsville. She was also a very active member in the UCC Senior Choir.

Anita's two children, Sylvia and Howard were the true joys of her life. She played ball, read and spent quality time with them. She raised them to be respectful, loving adults of whom she was so proud.

She is survived by her husband, Edison, and her son, Howard (Kathy). She is further survived by her precious jewels, her grandchildren, Samuel (Stacy), Neillsville, Elizabeth (fiancé Mike), Davenport, Iowa, and Benjamin (special friend Amy), Avon, Colo. She loved spending time with them and watching them grow. She was so proud of their accomplishments. She is also survived by her precious great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Gabriel and Abigail whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Sylvia Countryman; three brothers, Clayton, Merlin and Dwight; and her daughter, Sylvia.

The world is a much sadder place, but God will be singing a special song with his newest choir angel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.