Winifred Mathis

Winifred Mathis, age 94, of Grants Pass, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Spring Pointe.

Private family services will be held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Born May 21, 1917 in Reeder, North Dakota, Winifred Edna Spellman came into this world and became part of a loving family that would eventually include six siblings.

Winifred enjoyed her close-knit family child-hood, where she developed a true sense of self and a very deep connection to her spiritual up-bringing.

Winnie moved to Juneau, Alaska in 1938, married, and had two daughters, Marilyn and Judith. Her 55 years in Alaska were filled with dedication to raising her children, as well as working for the Alaska Laundry and Cleaners as a book-keeper, and the State of Alaska Department of Transportation. In addition, Winnie was an active member of the Resurrection Lutheran Church, participated in Eastern Star, and had so many near and dear friends.

Winnie moved to San Diego, California in 1994 to live with daughter Judith and son-in-law, Jim. After a very short time she joined the congregation of St. Andrews Lutheran Church. It was there that she made deep and lasting friendships that added a new and most positive dimension to an already full life.

In 2009, Winnie, daughter Judith and son-in-law Jim moved to Grants Pass, Oregon where her daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Harry had lived for several years. She was able to spend her last years with all of us together…how wonderful!

She was unique, colorful, loving, giving, and so much fun. And Oh how she loved God! We will miss her.

Winifred is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn and Judith, brother Delwin, six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.