Obituary of Lana A. Mathers

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lana Ann Mathers, who peacefully passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 81, in Montour Falls, NY, surrounded by her loving family.

Lana was born on March 30, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to Russell and Pearl Collins Rudy. After graduating from Watkins Glen High School in 1961, she attended Binghamton Machine Institute, where she became an IBM keyboard operator. She worked for Allstate, the AFSC Rochester Contract and Management District for the Air Force, and American La France in Elmira.

Lana was a devoted wife to Gerald William Mathers for 62 years. She was a loving mother to Connie Lorraine DeMeritt (Richard Wood) and James William Mathers (Ellen Smyder Mathers). She returned to the workforce as a library aide at Elmira School District and Odessa Montour Central School to be near her children, retiring after their graduations. She was a cherished grandmother to Brennon J. DeMeritt, Colin T. DeMeritt, and Jordan A. DeMeritt, and the proud great-grandmother of Sutton and Cayton Tuttle. Lana is predeceased by her parents, Russell and Pearl Rudy; and her brother, Walter Rudy.

Lana was an avid crafter, enjoying ceramics, sewing, caning chairs, and macramé chair making. She spent many wonderful years building and repairing Pennsylvania House furniture with her father. She found joy in reading mystery novels, solving puzzles, bird watching, and spending quality time with her family. She also loved to beat us at her favorite game, Trouble. She leaves behind many wonderful family members and friends who will remember her warm smile, sense of humor, and infectious laughter. We will forever be grateful for her kindness, strength, comforting hugs, and unwavering love. Lana had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and at home.

A graveside service will be held on March 28, 2025, at 2:30pm at the Montour Cemetery, followed by a gathering to celebrate her life at the Montour Falls Moose Club at 3:00pm.