ARDELLA MATHIS

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Ardella Mathis, 78, of Charleston died Wednesday, July 5, 2000, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

She was born July 19, 1921, in Tennessee, daughter of Monroe Barber and Minnie Kelley Vinson. She and J.R. Mathis were married May 9, 1936.

Mathis lived in Mississippi County most of her life.

Survivors include a son, J.R. Stevens Mathis of Charleston; six daughters, Betty Passley and Alice Decatur of Charleston, Jo Ann Burk of Anna, Ill., Donna Marshall of Charlotte, N.C., Debra Ward of Fredericksburg, Va., Tammy Hale of Benton; a brother, Elmer Vinson of Charleston; a sister, Stella Flint of Quinlan, Texas; 21 grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Leroy Thornton officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery.