Ada Mattas

Ada Henrietta Mattas was born on November 22, 1917 to Christian and Trina (Meyer) Van Schyndel in Platte, South Dakota. Her parents had immigrated to America from Holland as young adults in 1905 and 1908 respectively. Ada was very proud of her Dutch heritage. She was educated in the Platte school system. The family moved to a farm in Elmer, Minnesota in 1935. On April 19, 1939 she was married to Rudolph Mattas at the Methodist Church in Meadowlands, Minnesota. From 1939-1943 Rudy and Ada operated a grocery store and meat market in Meadowlands. While Rudy served in the Army Ada’s brother Dick helped run the store and Ada with her parents operated a hotel in Meadowlands. After Rudy returned from service in 1945 they planned and then built a new grocery store and meat market. It was first a Red Owl store and later became “Rudys”. They both took great pride in their store and with their strong work ethic it became a successful business until they retired in 1985. After retirement they continued to live in the apartment above the store. Rudy died in 2008 and Ada remained in the apartment until she suffered a stroke in 2014.

Ada and Rudy were very active and supportive of their community. They were members of the United Methodist Church serving in a variety of leadership positions, including communion stewards for over twenty years. She also taught Sunday school. Ada served on the Meadowlands Fair Board and for many years was the coordinator for the Fair Queen contestants. She was an active member of the Meadowlands/Cotton VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 3044, serving in many offices including president. One of the activities important to both Ada and Rudy was participation in the Memorial Day Remembrances at many area cemeteries. They also were very active in the Meadowlands Senior Citizens Group. One of the activities she enjoyed was seeking out programs and decorating for their meetings. Together they enjoyed volunteering at the Duluth Salvation Army, and because they were such social people they especially enjoyed the holiday gift wrapping at the Duluth Salvation Army and also at the Miller Hill Mall. It was also important to them to serve the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the DECC.

After Ada’s stroke she became a resident at St. Eligius Health Care Center in Duluth. For a brief time she was a resident at Spirit Valley Assisted Living, until her return to St. Eligius. Her family wishes to thank all of her caregivers; the CNA’s, all of the nurses, the custodial, housekeeping, kitchen and support staff. Each one of them has provided superb, loving care for her and likewise for her family. In addition the family is grateful for the communication and support of the staff of Essentia Elder Care and Hospice.

Ada died on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the age of 99 years, during the season many churches call Eastertide; celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, and all who believe and follow Him.

Ada is survived by her daughter Trina Joyce (John “Jack”) Harris of Duluth; grandchildren: Jacqueline Renee (Adam) Henney, Joel David (Stephanie Borchardt) Harris; great-grandchildren: Grant Harris Henney and Ayla Renee Henney, Arie Joy Harris and Levi Matthew Harris. Ada is also survived by her brother Glenn Van Schyndel (Dorothy) of Hibbing, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews.

Ada was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rudolph Mattas; and brothers, Arie, Bill, Dick, Chris and Harold Van Schyndel; and sisters, Helen Uggla and Gladys Lehmier.

Visitation: 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave W., Duluth. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Please leave a memory of Ada or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com