Barbara Mathison

BARBARA MATHISON, 79, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic liposarcoma. She was born October 17, 1939. Barbie met James Mathison at the age of 13, and they were married 5 years later on May 10, 1958. Jim passed away in February 2010, while he and Barbie were visiting friends in Phoenix, Arizona. They shared their life together raising 3 children, Robin Mathison Metzler (Ron Metzler), Green Bay, Wisconsin; Jonathon James Mathison (Kathleen), River Falls, Wisconsin; and Rebecca Mathison Hindermann (Matt), Rochester, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Irene Lowrie and brothers, Lloyd Lowrie and Don Lowrie. Barbie's pride and joy were her grandchildren -- Allie Metzler Carlson (Lucas), St. Peter, Minnesota, Lauren Metzler, Nashville, Tennessee, and Isaac Metzler (Tess) Des Moines, Iowa; and Michael Hindermann and Joey Hindermann (Melissa), both of Rochester, Minnesota -- and she attended 2 of their weddings in 2019. Other surviving family members include her sisters, Jean Lowrie Nelson and Kathryn Lowrie McAlister; her sisters-in-law, Marge Lowrie and Vicki Lowrie; and Jim's sister, Jaculyn Mathison Applegate, as well as several nieces and nephews. Barbie enjoyed her many years working at the Olmsted County Government Center until her retirement. She continued working for the County after retirement, including acting as a jury assistant during her years dealing with cancer. She treasured the friendships she made with her co-workers. Barbie also enjoyed her many friends, especially her time spent with Ken Zimmerman during the past year and being known as "Barbie and Ken". She also loved lunches with her Red Hat ladies, high school classmates, and the Government Center retiree group. Barbie was extremely proud of her journey with Christ, and she was recently baptized at Autumn Ridge Church. Her faith family was very important to her, as was her time spent after church on Saturday night having dinner in the Common Grounds Cafe with these very special friends. Barbie will also be remembered by many for her hugs and love of "dressing up" in true Barbie style. A Celebration of Life ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW, Rochester, Minnesota. Lunch will follow in the Common Grounds Cafe located in Autumn Ridge Church, and all are welcome. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Mathison family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com