Leatrice Matheson Edwards

LEATRICE MATHESON EDWARDS, age 90 died Wednesday January 29, 2025 at Innisfree Senior Living in Rogers, AR.

Leatrice Anne Hauskins was born May 27, 1934 in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the daughter of Elsie Soost and Myron Hauskins. Baptized in 1934 at North Blue Earth Lutheran Church, she was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1949. Leatrice’s childhood was filled with cherished times spent with her older sister Marlene and three Hauskins aunts Sis, Sharlette and Sharlene - and her younger brother Mitch, who came along when she was 15.

August 28, 1949 Leatrice married Everett Matheson in Algona, Iowa. They moved to Blue Earth in 1955, where they raised four children and welcomed nine grandchildren. The Mathesons were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. They enjoyed bowling, playing cards and riding motorcycles. After Everett’s passing 0n September 2, 1985, Leatrice continued to cherish time with family and friends, always valuing the importance of her deep faith, of a grateful heart and lifelong learning.

Leatrice’s career included earning a Commodity Broker’s License while working for the Peavey Commodity Office and 14 years at the Blue Earth Farmers Elevator. Her dedication to community service was evident through her roles as a Girl Scout leader, a Boy Scout Day camp counselor, as well as in various committee roles with Trinity Lutheran Church, including being a Deacon.

Leatrice always loved dancing, and being social. When she met Gene Edwards in the early 90’s at a dance mixer, their lives both changed. On December 30, 1998, Leatrice and Gene were married, Leatrice happily becoming stepmother and grandmother to his three children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Together, they lived on Lake Francis in Elysian, Minnesota where they were active members of the American Legion and participated in various community events. Their love for travel prompted them to explore all 48 states, Canada, Mexico and their ancestral homes in Norway. Gene passed away in October of 2012.

In September of 2014, Leatrice moved to Rogers, Arkansas, where she particularly enjoyed her time at the Rogers Adult Wellness Center, participating in Aquatic Fitness classes, Book Club and Mahjong. She was also an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers.

Leatrice is survived by: her daughters Monica (Matheson) Trembley of Westerville, Ohio and Ranae (Matheson) Hiller of Eugene, Oregon; her son-in-law John Laudati of Granby, Connecticut; her son Mike Matheson and his wife Liz of Springdale, Arkansas; her brother Mitch Hauskins and his wife Karen, of Swea City, Iowa; as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents Myron and Elsie (Soost) Hauskins, her husband Everett Matheson, her sister Marlene (Hauskins) Digman, her second husband Gene Edwards, and her daughter Allison (Matheson) Laudati.

Services will take place in Blue Earth, Minnesota later in the Spring. Details will be posted in the Blue Earth newspaper. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, MN or to Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, AR.