Lela LaVon Mather
April 6, 1931 ~ December 31, 2024
Lela, LaVon (Trowbridge) Mather, 93, of Columbus, IN passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 6, 1931, in Seymour, Indiana.
Lela met the love of her life, Joe Mather scooping the loop. They were married in 1951 in Seymour, IN. where they went on to start their family. Lela and Joe had three daughters, Jane Ellen (Applewhite), Norma Rose (Brunn), and Sheila Jo (Jones). In 1964 Lela and Joe moved to Columbus.
Lela worked as a librarian and secretary at W.D. Richard’s Elementary School in Columbus until she retired in 1992. Lela Loved to spend time painting ceramics, gardening, traveling, and enjoying her family, including her 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many dogs.
Lela was very strong in her faith and was a member of New Hope Church for many years.
Lela was preceded by her husband Joe, her siblings, Blaine Anthony, Myrtle Loyd, Bonnie Cox, Charles Trowbridge, and her daughter Jane Applewhite.
She is survived by her daughters, Norma (Eric) Brunn and Sheila (Mark) Jones; grandchildren, Nicholas Brunn, Megan (Yoni) Brunn, Lauren (Matthew) McConnell, Kati Brunn, Allison (Matthew) Applewhite Baker, Zachary Jones, and Caeley Jones; great-grandchildren, Nora Baker, Hallie Baker, Lucas McConnell, and Levi McConnell; and son-in-law, Andy Applewhite; who will all cherish her memory.
Lela was a shining light and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Calling hours will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home . A private graveside service at Proctor Cemetery - Dixon Chapel will be held.
Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle, and send a message to the family.
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I will always remember Lela for her genuine kind and caring nature. She always made me feel so welcome when I would visit her home all those years ago. Her daughter Sheila, is a childhood friend. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to all the family.
Have some of the fondest, ost cherished memories of this beautiful Christian Soul. She was my sunday school teacher, attendant to my baptism, loving friend to my mother. She and Joe set an example of faith and family for all. God rest thee, thou well and faithful servant.
Even though I didn’t see her often, she was very special and kind. She always had a great, genuine smile. She never aged much it seemed. I’ll miss her; she was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Lela LaVon Mather.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Lela LaVon Mather.
From RICK & TRACY PLANCK purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Lela LaVon Mather.
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Thank you for the video brings back a lot of memories. She was only 9 when I was born and we were the only 2 girls until Patty was born. Lots of boys. You have wonderful memories of your Mother and Dad. Cherish them forever. Doris and Jack Spurgeon
Jeff, Kathi, Mark, Joclyn, and Madison purchased the Amazing Grace 44″ Sonnet for the family of Lela LaVon Mather.
Jeff, Kathi, Mark, Joclyn, and Madison planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Lela LaVon Mather.