Melanie April Matthews

Our dearest Melanie “April” Matthews, 58, went to be with our Lord on April 29, 2023. April passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones after a short but courageous battle with ALS. To all who knew her she was caring, giving and the most loving individual you could ever meet. She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord, a beloved daughter, fierce mother, devoted wife, adoring sister, doting grandmother and great-grandmother as well as an immensely loyal friend. If you were among one of the lucky ones to have ever heard her sing Patsy Cline her beautiful and amazing voice could bring a tear to you eye.

April was born in Pensacola, FL on July 9, 1964. After beginning her family she began school at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock to become an LPN and continued her education at UALR while simultaneously working to receive her degree as a Registered Nurse. As an RN she worked in all aspects of the nursing field including Emergency Rooms, Home Health Agencies, State Facilities and started a Hyperbaric Unit while working in Corpus Christi, TX before moving back to Arkansas and spending the last 5 years at CHI St. Vincent’s in Hot Springs. During her career she made many friends in her field who all loved her greatly.

While working in one of the many departments throughout her career she met the love of her life Glen in 1994. They married on July 8, 1995 in Dardanelle, AR and have been by each other’s sides, through thick and thin and in sickness and in health, for the last 28 years. Between the two of them they combined a thriving family with five amazing children. They spent their life together raising their kids, travelling, laughing, playing games and singing as often as they could.

April is survived by her husband, Glen Matthews, her parents Ed Moore and James & Betty Fleming, her children Marie O’Neal (Rodney), JR Matthews (Jennifer Elliott), Deanna Glass (Mark), Tim Matthews (Michele) and Ashley Thacker. Her siblings Lisa Russell (Major), Christy Walker (Royce), John Moore (Robyn), JJ Fleming and Scott Moore (Maranda). Her grandchildren Pete, Skyla, Katarina, Landen, Loralei, Genaveve, Cecilia, Dylan, Caleb, Destinee, Madi, Jaden, Asher, Zoee, Thomas, Jordan, Jerry, JT, Jasper and Joni. Her great-grandchildren Livey, Leighton and Emmett, along with several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends she considered her family.

She is preceded in death by Brenda Moore.

A memorial service for April will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights Street, Hot Springs, AR. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in April’s name to The ALS Association, the Arkansas Chapter, at www.als.org.