Sylvia M. Van Matre, age 77 of rural Darlington passed away Friday, April 29, 2016 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. She was born Nov. 22, 1938 in Darlington the daughter of Sylvan and Viola (Wells) Amenda. Sylvia graduated from Darlington High School in 1957. She was united in marriage to Jim R. Van Matre on July 20, 1957 in Monroe. Sylvia lived in the Darlington area all of her life. She worked at Borg Instrument in Darlington for a few years. For 19 years Sylvia worked as a caseworker for Lafayette County Human Services. She then went to work for World of Variety in Darlington until her health began to fail.
Sylvia is survived by her husband Jim at home; three children: John (Susan) Van Matre of Darlington, and Michelle (Bugs) Eaton and Cindy (Kenny) Weiskircher both of rural Shullsburg; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one brother: Robert “Red” (Nancy) Amenda of Darlington. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sylvia was a member of the Ladies Aid in Fayette. She was a longtime 4-H Leader and Club Organizer. Sylvia was an avid bowler for many years, loved to crochet and was very proud of the afghans she made for all of her children and many of her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Fayette United Methodist Church (11013 County Highway F, Darlington) with Rev. Angela Steinhauer officiating. Burial will be in Fayette Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Sylvia’s name.