Melinda Ann Matthews

Melinda Ann Matthews, 81, of Mechanicsburg, IL, passed away Wed., Sept.12, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield. Born in Mechanicsburg on Aug. 8, 1931, she was the daughter of Homer and Alice Moore Patton. On Nov. 27, 1950, she married Wesley Matthews. Her parents and several brothers and sisters preceded her in death. Mrs. Matthews is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wesley; children Donna (companion Jim Carver) Matthews of Pawnee, Danny Matthews of Mechanicsburg and Richard (companion Carrie Smith) Matthews of Springfield; grandchildren Daniel (Heather) Matthews of Pensacola, FL, Grace Matthews of Pawnee, Vanessa (Jaryd) Goodman of Springfield, MO and Rebecca (Jeff) Albertini of Minooka; five great grandchildren; sisters June (Jim) Garren of Springfield and Judy Patton of Dawson; brothers Wade (Theresa) Patton and David Patton of Mechanicsburg; many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Matthews was the long-time manager of Haines & Essick in Springfield. Her beautiful spirit and generous heart made her a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be remembered as the much-loved matriarch of her family. Cremation rites were accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Private family services were conducted. Memorials: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675 or Regional Cancer Center at Memorial, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL, 62781