Agnes Lenore Mathers

Agnes Lenore (Cleaveland) Mathers was born on March 3, 1918 in Kanaranzi, Minnesota, to Phillip and Jessie (Gillis) Cleaveland. Agnes grew up in the Pipestone area where she received her education. After her schooling, she moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to care for her nieces and nephews. While in Sioux Falls, she met Edward Mathers; they were married on October 23, 1938 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they made their home in Pipestone. To this union, six daughters were born: Nancy, Judy, Dianne, Linda, Pamela and Debra. Agnes stayed at home to raise her daughters until the 1960’s when she began her career as a Nurse’s Aide at the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. She remained there until her retirement in 1978. Edward preceded her in death in December of 1986. She continued to live in her home until March of 2010 when she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone where she died on Tuesday, April 07, 2015 at the age of 97 years, one month and four days.

Agnes was a member of the Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors and the First Presbyterian Church of Pipestone, where she served as deacon and was involved in the Ladies’ Circle. Agnes was an avid walker, she could be found walking around Pipestone at least twice a day. She enjoyed playing solitaire, baking and most importantly spending time with her family.

Agnes is survived by her daughters: Nancy (Don) Herrick of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Judy (Dale) Stolte of Sioux Falls, Dianne (Rob) Dykstra of Sioux Falls and Linda (Dwight) Flynn of Andersonville, Tennessee; grandchildren: Sally McKittrick, Mike Herrick, Lori (Dan) Staebell, Lisa Stolte, Kristie (Brian) Townley, Todd (Dawn) Dykstra, Dawn (Marco) Taborda, Jason Flynn and Amanda (Chris) Gross; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law: Gladys Mathers and Barb (Chuck) Meyers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Mathers; two daughters: Pamela and Debra; parents Phillip and Jessie Cleaveland; and siblings: Jack, Lorna, Oscar, Orville and Dale.