Lucille Johanna (Swanson) Mathis was born on September 11, 1928 in Bethesda, Iowa the daughter of Albert and Medie (Lofgren) Swanson. Lucy entered into the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Lucy spent the first 7 years of her life in the community of Bethesda before her family moved to Shenandoah. She graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1945. On May 18, 1947 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Mathis at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. The couple was blessed with 63 years of marriage.
During her working days Lucy was employed by Security Trust and Savings Bank; Shenandoah Medical Clinic in the bookkeeping department; Garden View Care Center as an activities director; and her most important role was that of a loving and supportive farm wife and mother. She was very active in the community. She was a member of the Athaneum Club; Antique Study Club; United Methodist Women; various bridge clubs; volunteered at the blood drives and at Garden View Care Center; and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Family was the most important part of Lucy's life. She loved her visits with friend and relatives. Tending to her garden and flowers, reading (especially books on American History), cooking and baking, and caring for others also brought her much joy. She was a kind hearted and gracious woman.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Carl Swanson. Those left to honor her memory include her beloved husband Kenneth of the home; sons Greg Mathis and wife Francoise of Council Bluffs, IA, Kirk Mathis and wife Karen of Anita, IA, Tim Mathis of Red Oak, IA and Jeff Mathis and wife Margie of Marshalltown, IA; grandchildren Ben Mathis and wife Dawn of Papillion, NE, T.J. Mathis of Wever, IA, Jeremy Mathis of Guayaquil, Equador, Joel Mathis and wife Becky of Evanston, IL, Jessica Reicks and husband Jon of Bremerton, WA, and Elli Mathis of Kirksville, MO; siblings Irene Stimson of Blanchard, IA, Edith Kroepel of Phoenix, AZ, Ken Swanson of Ralston, NE and Arnold Swanson of Sandstone, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.