(Aug. 1, 2005)
Memorial services were conducted Wednesday evening, Aug. 3 at Union Presbyterian Church for Edith Louise Mathews, 95, who died Monday, Aug. 1 at the Powell Nursing Home.
The Rev. David Hunter officiated at services.
She was born Dec. 16, 1909, in Russell, Iowa, to Charles and Bessie Kells. She was one of eight siblings, all of whom preceded her in death.
She grew up and received her education in Russell. In 1940, she came to Powell to visit her sister, Arlene Bovee, and she met Raymond Mathews. They were married Nov. 22, 1940.
To this union were born two daughters, Mary and Carol. Mary died in 1960. The couple purchased a farm in the Northend Community in 1944, and Edith was active in farm life. She was a member of the Northend Club, Eastern Star and also played in the Kitchen Band. She was an active member of the Union Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for over 40 years.
After the death of her husband, she remained on the farm until 1971 when she sold the farm to the See family and moved to town to live in a home on Division Street.
Edith loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining. The family remembers fondly: If you stopped by her home, you had something to eat.
She also enjoyed embroidery and crochet. She was a born caretaker and delighted in helping other people. She was fondly known as the “cheerleader” at the nursing home because she was such an advocate of the care center and was often seen sitting in the reception area greeting visitors. She always had a smile and piece of candy for everyone. On Tuesday nights at Happy Hour, she could be seen dancing to the lively music in her walker.
Survivors include a daughter, Carol, and son-in-law Jim Bever, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of Concord, Calif.; sister-in-law Betty Mathews; and many nieces and nephews.
For those who wish, memorials to the Powell Valley Care Center or Union Presbyterian Church would be appreciated by the family.