Anna Ruth Matters

Anna Ruth Matters was the youngest of eight in the loving Christian family of Robert and Annie Skeels. She grew up in Colville and moved to Spokane to attend Whitworth College, where she met the love of her life, Clyde Burns Matters. They married and raised Cindy (Chuck) Carroll and Rick (Andrea) Matters.

Annie loved teaching children, from preschool through high school, in various places where their life journey took them: Seattle, Issaquah, Nigeria, Ghana, and Spokane. She offered gracious hospitality to foreign and local guests and dignitaries, especially during her husband’s 18-year tenure as president of Hastings College in Nebraska. She collected art during their years in Africa, which she researched, curated, and presented in programs and lectures. The Matters Art Collection is now part of the permanent art collection at Whitworth University.

Annie exhibited a compassionate disposition and showed patient love for all people. She had an adventuresome spirit that delighted in visiting and learning about different cultures. She leaves a heritage of practiced Christian faith, including as a member of First Presbyterian Church, Spokane.

Annie was born on January 15, 1928, and died on January 4, 2026. Preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, she continues to be loved and now mourned by her two children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and their spouses, ten great-grandchildren, and many others. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received at Crystal Rose, where she lived for the last nine years. Annie’s memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, at First Presbyterian Church in Spokane.