Ernest "Ernie" Mathis, age 84, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, June 15, 2015 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Letcher, SD with burial at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Ernest Mathis, son of William and Myrtle (Hutton) Mathis, was born June 30, 1930 on the family farm in southwestern Sanborn County. Ernest was baptized and confirmed at the Trinty Lutheran Church, rural Letcher, SD. He received his elementary education at the Leet Country School. Ernest graduated from Letcher High School in 1948 and the Reynolds Business College of Mitchell in 1949. He married the love of his life and best friend, Ruby May Sample, January 16, 1955 in Mitchell, SD. Born to this union were six children, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Ernest was a dedicated family man, loving husband, and successful farmer. He enjoyed going to cattle sales and attending sporting events. Ernest held various positions on the boards of Trinity Church and also was on the Cenex Board of Directors for 12 years. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 60 years, Ruby Mathis, Mitchell, SD; his children, William (Lisa) Mathis, Mt. Vernon, SD, Robert Mathis, Sioux Falls, SD, Elaine (Randy) Sorenson, Sioux Falls, SD, Linda Mathis Powell, Mt. Vernon, SD; nine grandchildren, Cathy Mathis, Christie (Brad) Lueth, Andrea (Nathan) Fuhrer, Michael Sorenson, Camille Mathis, and Alan (Caitlin) Powell all of Sioux Falls, SD, Kyle Mathis, Mt. Vernon, SD, Mark Sorenson, Sioux Falls, SD, Nolan Mathis, Letcher, SD; seven great grandchildren, Hayden Mathis, Elliot Lueth, Paxton Fuhrer, Hadleigh Mathis, Mallory Lueth, Logan Fuhrer and Avarie Crum, all of Sioux Falls, SD; his sister Lois Fougner, Mitchell, SD and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Owen (in infancy) and Terry; brothers, Harold and Wilbur Mathis; sisters-in-law, Betty, Marilyn, and Ruth Mathis; and a brother-in-law, Howard Fougner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Terry Mathis Memorial Scholarship.