We are sad to announce the passing of Estelle Vita (Van Leeuwen) Mathias, age 86.
Born on November 12, 1935. Estelle was a Saugatuck native living in Saugatuck for 40 years before moving to Michigan City, Indiana. She subsequently moved to Naples, Florida, before moving into an assisted living facility in Fennville, Michigan.
As a teenager, Estelle was an enthusiastic cheerleader at Saugatuck High School. She still remembered some of her favorite "cheers" in her final days. While living in Michigan City, she volunteered at the local soup kitchen and was active at Michiana Shores Fire Dept. Ladies auxiliary. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at VFW Post 2536. In addition, she enjoyed doing crafts and taking long walks on the beach.
Estelle is preceded in death by her husband, John Mathias, and stepson, Jay Mathias.
She is survived by sister Kay (Donald) Forster of Allegan, MI, her children, Cindy Troutman, Michigan City, IN. Ralph (Jody) Troutman, Ken (Sally) Troutman, Saugatuck, MI. Linda (Jim) Kalkman, Holland, Michigan, and stepchildren, Bruce (Cindy) Mathias, Chesterton, IN, Martha Mathias, Valparaiso, IN, Marie Mathias, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, along with 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
A private memorial is being held in Saugatuck for close family and friends. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Estelle Mathias November 12, 1935 - October 26, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book