Ann Mason, wife of Lee Mason, died February 20, 2009 after a brief, but intense battle with leukemia. She was the daughter of Lena Saultz and Rush Wilhoit of Springfield, Mo. Her only sibling was Dr. Robert Wilhoit who proceeded her in death. As a young woman Ann worked at the Princess and Landers Theatres. She spent a few months attending college after these jobs but decided that she was better suited to work with the public. Following this discovery, she met and married Lee Mason in 1947. They worked and lived as one, one never being seen without the other. Together they founded Mason Chapel and Mortuary, Joplin, Mo. in 1960. There, and everywhere they went, Ann and Lee were surrounded by true friends whom they valued tremendously. Surviving are Ann's husband Lee Mason; daughter Dr. Carol Matthews (Jordan Valley Community Health Center) and her husband Dr. Victor Matthews (Missouri State University); grandson, Peter B. Matthews and his special friend Lexi Adams (Memphis, TN); grandson, Samuel Mason Matthews and his wife Emily (Shanghai, China); and sister-in-law Jo Wilhoit, wife of the deceased Dr. Robert Wilhoit, and their two children Chris and Tracy with their families. Ann will be remembered in services held Tuesday, February 24th in St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield, Mo. The Reverend Jerry Miller will conduct the Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon provided by Church members afterwards. Internment will be in Hazelwood Cemetery later Tuesday afternoon. The family would like to give their deeply held thanks to Ann's oncologist, Dr. Lavanya Tiriveedi, her nurse Jeanie, and her associates; the nurses and staff from St. John's Cancer Center, floor 7D; and each one of their dear friends--especially from their church and from St. John's (early morning!) Walnut Lawn Exercise Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of St. John's Episcopal Church. Family and friends may call anytime after 10 a.m. Sunday in the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd., Springfield.