Anita Hays Mathis (1920 - 2007)

Born in Blue Earth, Minn., to Ruby and Chris Larson. Anita graduated from Blue Earth High School followed by two years of teacher training.

She married George Hays in 1940, and they moved to Rupert in 1941 where they had a small farm and were involved with education.

In 1951 they moved to Salmon and ranched at Tower Creek before moving to Bonners Ferry in 1961 where they continued ranching.

Anita married Loren Mathis in 1983 and they moved to Oregon.

She has resided in Salmon since 1997.

She was active in Cattlewomen and American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by step-children Anita Stenersen (Bob) of Salmon, Ginger Hobbs (Dale) of Universal City, Texas, Beverly Port (Jim) of Clarkston, Wash., and Bill Hays (Mary) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. One brother Ronald Larson (Marion) of Nashotah, Wis., 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary or Hospice of Salmon. A memorial will be held in June in Salmon, Idaho.