MATTHEWS, MARY A. , December 23, 1917 – September 9, 2008

On September 9, 2008, Mary A. Matthews, 90, celebrated her life by leaving this earthly existence and entering the presence of our Father in Heaven. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and lifelong friend to all that knew her.

Mary made her own legacy by being her own person. She has impacted the lives of her family members as well as community and social friends through many years of service and involvement. Mary was born in Sweetgrass, Montana on December 23, 1917, the daughter of Claudia Ann Lane and Robert Cook Corey. The family lived in Whitefish, Montana, where Mary entered into her first years of schooling. The family moved to Mott, ND, where she graduated as Valedictorian from Lincoln High School and relocated to Malad in 1937, with her parents and sister, Jackie (Mrs. Frayne Jones) to be close to members of the family. She worked with her brother George in a photographic studio which they had on Main Street in Malad.

She met Earl Matthews and they were married October 18, 1938. They lived in Bancroft and Malad, where they made their home. Earl was successful in building his business with Mary at his side. They were separated by Earl’s death on July 7, 1987. Mary worked for The Idaho Enterprise, as a stringer for the United Press International and later as a correspondent for the Idaho State Journal. She enjoyed years of reporting and writing the events of Malad and Oneida County. She was also the secretary for the Oneida County Hospital Board. She loved gardening, sewing, handiwork, reading, fishing, snowmobiling and bowling. She was honored by the city of Malad with the Volunteer of the Year award for her many years of selfless service to others. Dad will welcome her with open arms.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail (Howard) Gibby of Ogden, UT; six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a son, Douglas T. on May 23, 2008. She was the last surviving member of the seven Corey children.

Funeral services were held September 13, 2008 in the Horsley Funeral Home in Malad. Burial was in the Malad City Cemetery.