Phyllis Jean Mathias

Phyllis Jean Mathias, a resident of Attic Angels, passed away on February 8, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Medical Center.  Born on November 9, 1925, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Floyd and Mildred Smothers, Phyllis was a 1943 graduate of Fostoria High School.  She continued her education at Ohio University, where she pursued a degree in Medical Technology.  After graduation, she was employed at the University of Michigan Hospital, and met her husband, Robert Mathias, in Ann Arbor.  She followed Bob’s career to Northeast Ohio and welcomed four children.  While living in Kirtland, Ohio, and raising children, Phyllis continued her professional interests, both teaching high school chemistry and working in the clinical laboratory at Euclid General Hospital.  In 1973, she moved with her family to Greendale, Wisconsin, where she enjoyed neighborhood, school, and Tuckaway Country Club activities. An inventive cook with a keen interest in health and nutrition, Phyllis worked diligently to creatively adapt recipes for a heart-healthy diet in a time when information was scarce.  In 1998, Phyllis and Bob moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where she enjoyed the scenic settings, golf, her crafts, and tournament bridge.  She adopted several dogs from Hot Springs area animal welfare organizations, and gave them a loving home.  After Bob’s death in 2014, she remained in Hot Springs Village with her wonderful neighbors and friends.  She moved to Attic Angels in Middleton, Wisconsin, in 2020, and remained active in stitch crafts and continued to be an avid fan of University of Michigan football and basketball.

Phyllis was pre deceased by her parents; husband, Robert; and sister, Suzanne S. Hopkins of Fostoria, Ohio.  She is survived by her children: Deborah (Lee Rice) of Mountain View, CA, William (Karen) of Middleton, WI, James (Tammy) of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and Edward (Julie) of Highlands Ranch, CO; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

No services are planned, and the family requests to honor Phyllis’ lifelong love of animals by donating to local animal welfare agencies.