Elsie Mathis

Elsie Mathis, 75, of Stevensville, MI passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory of Elsie online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Elsie was born on July 26, 1938 in Niles, MI to George & Nellie (Wertz) Syson. Elsie graduated from Niles high School in 1956. On June 22, 1957 she married the love of her life James Mathis. Elsie was a cook for Lakeshore Public Schools for 32 years. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking, going to the casinos and spending time with her family especially her great grandchildren. Elsie made an impression on everyone she met. Her kind demeanor and giving heart had an positive impact on people. Friends & family loved spending time and visiting Jim and Elsie at their home. Elsie is survived by her son Ronald (Karlyn) Mathis of Stevensville; daughter Barbara Mathis and companion Fran Wilkins of Adrian; granddaughter Anne (Jason) Zuhl; great grandchildren Mitchell and Lilly Zuhl. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, husband James and siblings Everett Syson, John Syson, Jean Searfoss, Richard Syson, Lou McGraw, and Chet Syson.