Luella Ann Matson, age 102, of Blair, died peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in the Grand View Care Center in Blair.

Ann was born on August 9, 1912 in Thompson Valley, rural Mondovi, WI to Andrew and Karolena (Thompson) Odegaard. She graduated from the Mondovi High School and from Eau Claire Normal. Ann taught school in rural Blair for six years prior to her marriage to Ardell J. Matson on April 28, 1937. Together they farmed in Vosse Coulee and Hegg prior to purchasing the Blair Variety Store in 1960 where they both continued to work until retiring in 1975. Ardell preceded Ann in death in 1996.

Ann taught Sunday School in North Beaver Creek and in Blair at Zion Lutheran Church and was also the superintendent at Zion for several years. Her love for teaching was always evident. Ann's sustaining faith and love for God were central in her life. Reading her bible and morning and evening devotions were done without fail.

Ann spent many hours with her lawn and flowers and received the Yard Award in 1992. Ann entered the Grand View Care Center in 2005 after having served as a volunteer there for many years, and continued to have her room there filled with flowers. After Ann entered the nursing home, she spent hours doing word find puzzles and completed several hundred books. Evenings were spent watching the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Ann knew the history and stats on each of the players. She also followed the local sports. Ann dearly loved her family and always brought out the best in her children and grandchildren.

Ann is survived by her children, Arland (Liz) Matson of Kenosha, Joanne (Lyle) Drusch of Morgan, MN, Richard (Grace) Matson of Kenosha, Robert (Sharyn) Matson of Marian, NC and Betty Upham of Waukegan, IL; grandchildren, Kim Weispfennig, Lance and Lonnie Drusch, Shelly Poland, Brent, Kristal and Jeramie Matson, Kristy Haley and Rick and Joe Upham; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; four nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ann was preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers, a son-in-law, Oliver Upham; a granddaughter, Kathy Davellis and a great-granddaughter, Mary Davellis.

Blessed be her memory.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Blair Lutheran Church West with burial in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery both in Blair. Pastor Barbara Bruneau will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.