Melva “Sis” Mathias, 78, North Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Rochester, passed away at 7:25 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Fort Myers, Fla.

She was born Aug. 19, 1938 in Rochester, the daughter of Herman and Edith (Lowe) Alber. She married James D. Mathias Sr. Sept. 21, 1956 in Rochester. He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2013.

Melva worked at many restaurants in town for over sixty years. She attended Rochester High School and enjoyed bowling, horseback riding and dancing. She lived for her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Rose and husband Ron Doyle, North Fort Myers, Fla.; four sons: Jim and wife Karrie Mathias Jr., Rochester; Buck and wife Tammy B. Mathias, Buffalo; Tink and wife Amber Mathias, Rochester; Nut and wife Francesea Mathias, Rochester; sixteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; brother, Manford Alber, Oklahoma; sister, Darlene Bay, Rochester; her dearest best friend, Karen Clark; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandchildren: David Clark, Seth Mathias, Britton Mathias; brother, Roy Alber; sister, Barb Alber; brother-in-law, Bill Bay; and sister-in-law, Alice Alber.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Athens Cemetery, Athens.

Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.