Russell Lee Mathis, 59, of rural Woonsocket, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 8, at the Woonsocket Community Center, Woonsocket. Burial was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Storla. Rev. John Paulson officiated. Visitation and a prayer service were held Tuesday, May 7, at Basham Funeral Chapel in Woonsocket, with family present.

Russell Lee Mathis was born Oct. 27, 1959, to Harold and Betty (Christopher) Mathis in Mitchell. He lived his entire life in Sanborn County. After graduating from Woonsocket High School, he attended Dakota State in Madison for one year, and then he went to work for Selland & Sons of Letcher. He worked for them for over 40 years. He enjoyed working fo the Sellands and considered them part of his family.

Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and being outdoors. He enjoyed playing basketball and played on the “Old Man Team” until about the age of 40. His favorite holiday was Halloween, and he often dressed in costume for it

Russell is survived by four brothers and three sisters, Larry (Della) of Mitchell, Peggy Baysinger of Forestburg, Gail (Craig) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Keith of Storla, Carmen (Randy) of Littleton, Colo., Clyde (Barb) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Neal (Sue) of Woonsocket; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Connie; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Baysinger.