Clear, 68° F
(May 14, 1914 - Feb. 19, 2011)
Funeral services were held at Thompson Funeral Home on Feb. 19, 2011 for Elizabeth Marian Mathews, daughter of Dr. John and Irene Elizabeth Humphrey.
She died Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Powell Valley Care Center, where she had resided since May 2010. She was 96.
Betty was born and raised in Powell, graduated Powell High School in l932, attended college at Spearfish, S.D., and Northwest Community College in Powell.
She was a true business partner in the farming operations at the North End with her husband of more than 50 years, Irvan Mathews. John Roscoe and Marilyn Elizabeth are the children born of this union. Betty also was blessed in having a teaching career.
Betty was an avid reader and crossword puzzler. She was always the partner that the grandchildren wanted whenever the family played games, especially Trivial Pursuit.
Betty and Irvan were strong advocates of education and they aided many young people with financial help as well as providing a place for them to live at “The Farm” while receiving schooling at Powell High School and Northwest College.
Survivors include her cherished and beloved grandchildren: Bret Faber of Powell; Brian Faber, his sons Spencer and Garrett, of Guernsey; Monica Mathews Morales, daughters Kelsey and Kayla, Centennial, Colo.; John Mathews, Westminster, Colo.; Julenne Faber Updegraff, her husband, Scott, their children Paige, Hunter, and Grace of Littleton, Colo.; Willbur Mathews, his son Jesse, wife Jessica, their son, Caiden and Wilbur’s son, Tucker of Cody; and Clint Mathews, his wife, Tracy, sons Kenan, Landon and Cooper of Gillette.
Also surviving: daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Mel Faber of Cody; daughter-in-law Carol Mathews of Powell; and six loving nieces and their families: Dottie Lagge, JoAnne Haverland, Cindy Shrader, Linda Carlson, Jeanne Staudt and Carol Bever.
Arrangements for her services were provided by Syd and Kim Thompson; Pastor George Pasek; soloist Ann Pasek, who sang “The Heavens are Praising the Lord of Creation” and “Old Rugged Cross;” and organist Judy Showalter. John 14:1-14 was read by Marilyn Faber. Clint Mathews and Marilyn shared a few special family memories. All seven of her grandchildren were in attendance at her services.
In a letter, her great-granddaughter Grace wrote, “have fun with Jesus.”
Interment was at Crown Hill Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her grandmother, Elizabeth Crocker; mother and father; niece Judy Humphrey; husband, Irvan and son, John Mathews.
The reading of the 23rd Psalm was shared by family and friends at the grave site. Time of fellowship was spent at Union Presbyterian Church, where Betty was a lifelong member.
If desired, memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Rocky Mountain Manor in Powell or the Northwest College Foundation in Powell or the Powell Branch Library for large print books.
Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
