Dawn Mathena (nee Duha)

September 24, 1954 - February 15, 2018

Age 63, of Custer Park, IL passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018 at her home with her family by her side. Born September 24, 1954 in Joliet, IL to the late Frank and Gladys (nee Voight) Duha.. She married Dennis Mathena on February 8, 1975 in New Lenox, IL and they made their home on their farm in Custer Park, IL. An avid horsewoman, she breed, trained and showed American Quarter horses for over 50 years and was especially fond of her horse Prissey. She was the 1997 Exhibitor of the Year at the Grundy County Fair as well as a lifetime member of AQHA. She also enjoyed horseshows, trail riding and classic car shows with her 1966 Pontiac Lemans. And don’t forget all of her loving pets, especially her cat Whitey. For 30 years she was employed by Exxonmobile. Dawn was a 40 year Multiple Sclerosis survivor and finally succumbed to cancer. Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Dennis Mathena; sons, Damien Mathena and Dustin Mathena; sister, Diana (nee Duha) Williams and loving partner Jack Ruiter ; father in law, Russel Mathena; sister in law, Luann Mathena; grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by her parents; and infant daughter, Diane Mathena. Cremation rights have been accorded. A Celebration of Dawn’s Life will be held at a later date and her cremains will be scattered from Prissey her horse back, at their family farm. Memorial donations in her name may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Joliet Area Hospice. For more information find us on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes and Crematory.