VILLA RIDGE, Ill. -- Helen Mathis Barton, 90, of Venice, Fla., formerly of Villa Ridge, died Sunday, March 22, 1998, in Venice.

She was born March 2, 1908, at America, Ill., daughter of James William and Allie Watkins Mathis. She was married to George Barton. He died Feb. 28, 1992.

She grew up in the America community and graduated from Mound City High School and from Southern Illinois University.

She was a schoolteacher for 42 years, teaching in America, Heyworth and Calumet City schools.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Venice.

Survivors include a sister, Edith Thrailkill of Venice.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Beechwood Cemetery at Mounds.