Following a long, healthy and prosperous life, Louise Ruth Locke Mathis died peacefully in her home in Wheaton, Ill. on December 6, 2018. Louise, a faithful wife, loving mother and willing volunteer, was 98 years old.

She was preceded in death by daughter Mary, parents Ralph and Ruth Locke, brother Wayne Locke, grandson Brett Airey, and husband David J. Mathis, with whom she spent 63 years of marriage. Her legacy is carried on through her six children: Gary (Joyce) Mathis of Hillsboro, Ill., Patricia (Thomas) O'Malley of Wheaton, Ill., Michael (Debby) Mathis of Dallas, Texas, Kathleen Cowens of Springfield, Mo., David R (Sally) Mathis of Ottawa, Ill., and Robert (Victoria) Mathis of Kapaa, Hawaii; her eight grandchildren: Kerry (Rick) Andrews, Kelly Mathis, Shannon (Frank) LoPiccolo, Erin (Dave) O'Donohue, Benjamin (Ellen) Cowens, Josiah (Kristin) Cowens, Matthew (Erica) Mathis, Andrew Mathis; and her eight great-grandchildren: Trevor and Tabitha Andrews, Adalynn and Declan LoPiccolo, Malley and Dylan O'Donohue, Autumn Cowens, and Hallie Mathis.

On September 2, 1920, Louise, her Grandmother Fessenbecker's namesake, was born on her maternal grandparents' farm (Fessenbecker) in Roberts, Wis., to Ralph and Ruth Locke. The Lockes moved briefly to Frederic, Wis., before settling in Omro, Wis., in 1923. Louise spent all of her childhood there and attended Omro High School, where she was involved in the arts, notably as a choir member, orchestra member (cello player) and participant in school plays. She graduated as salutatorian from Omro High School in 1938 and studied nursing at Oshkosh State Teachers College, now the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, as well as at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While attending college, she sang in the university choir, where she met her future husband, David J., and they were married on February 5, 1942.

Shortly after marriage, Louise and David started a family. Their seven children were born in four different locales (Oshkosh, Ripon, and Beaver Dam, Wis., and Decatur, Ill.) and their journey included a few other stops along the way, due to David J.'s promotions with Pepsi-Cola, Inc. Louise faithfully committed to raising her children and volunteering, despite the always-changing environs. Following more than 25 years of frequent relocations, Louise and David settled in Wheaton in 1970. The couple never departed from there and became prominent members of the community.

Over the next 48 years, Louise became heavily involved in community outreach, especially through First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, where at various times she served as a church deacon, was a prominent member of Elizabeth Women's Circle, and became an honorary life member of Presbyterian Women. She also served as a Stephen minister, affording her the opportunity to offer care to the elderly, the homebound, and the hurting.

She also served as the 1st Vice-President of the Woman's Department Club of Wheaton where she participated in the Needlecraft Club and the Garden Club. Louise enjoyed sewing and knitting and used those skills to craft throws and dolls for young patients at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital (now Rush University Medical Center), in downtown Chicago, as well as for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed antiquing, doll-collecting and traveling. Among her favorite excursions were myriad trips to the North Woods of Wisconsin - the last of which she made at the age of 97. Perhaps the most treasured of those "Up North" trips were the vacations spent at her parents' rustic cabin in Oneida County, Wis., in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Louise was also a wonderful storyteller and had a rich and deep repository of memories from which to draw. Whether she spoke fondly of her childhood memories at Forest Primeval Resort in Vilas County, or the "date night" trips "Up North" with David to the White Stag Supper Club in Oneida County, or her family's week-long journey via pitted dirt roads to Yellowstone National Park in the 1920s or traveling the Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, those who sat with her would always be treated to tale.

Those who knew Louise well will miss hearing those stories, but they remain vibrant memories to those who remain. And - just like the woman who told them - they will be cherished and not soon forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 15 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton , 715 North Carlton Ave, Wheaton, Ill. Funeral services will be held following the visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Kyle Roggenbuck officiating.

Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Park , Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.